ABC News Reporter Elizabeth Vargas In Rehab For Alcohol Addiction – ‘Like So Many People, I Am Dealing With Addiction,’ The 20/20 Anchor Says

The reason why ABC News reporter and 20/20 anchor Elizabeth Vargas has been missing in action for the past weeks is because she checked herself into rehab for alcohol addiction, according to the network's statement last Wednesday.

The 20/20 anchor was last seen on October at ABC apparently she checked into a rehab for the past weeks and will return to work after her rehabilitation program is complete, which is due in a few more weeks.

When Vargas went missing on the show for the past weeks, people started questioning her absence, and according to an insider who's close to Vargas"She's checked herself into a facility, and she's getting treatment." "She's been there for a few weeks and will be there for another few weeks."

Elizabeth Vargas, 51, issued a statement saying:

"Like so many people, I am dealing with addiction. I realized I was becoming increasingly dependent on alcohol. And feel fortunate to have recognized it for the problem it was becoming. I am in treatment and am so thankful for the love and support of my family, friends and colleagues at ABC News. Like so many others, I will deal with this challenge one day at a time. If coming forward today gives one other person the courage to seek help, I'm grateful."

Vargas started working in the industry since 1993, she was first hired at NBC and then transferred to ABC. She begun working as an anchor at ABC's 20/20 show and a co-anchor in the "World News Tonight" opposite Bob Woodruff following the death of Peter Jennings. The pairing did not last for long though, since Woodruff was seriously injured during his reporting in Iraq.

Meanwhile, ABC issued a statement of support for Elizabeth Vargas' condition:

"We are proud of the steps Elizabeth has taken and are pulling for her recovery," an ABC spokesman stated. "We look forward to having her back home at ABC News, where she has done so much distinguished work over the years. Elizabeth is a member of our family, and we will support her in every way we can."