ABC News reporter Elizabeth Vargas returned to rehab Saturday for alcohol-related issues, according to the New York Daily News.
The 51-year-old "20/20" co-anchor and correspondent explained in an emailed statement that she checked into a rehabilitation facility while on vacation over the weekend. Vargas said she is committed to fighting her disease and apologized for disappointing her family and co-workers.
"While on vacation this weekend, I decided to return to a recovery center," Vargas said in a statement. "As so many other recovering alcoholics know, overcoming the disease can be a long and incredibly difficult process. I feel I have let myself, my co-workers and most importantly my family down, and for that I am ashamed and sorry."
She added: "I am committed to battling and addressing this debilitating disease and want to thank everyone who has offered their unwavering support during this trying time."
ABC said in a statement that the network supports her decision to seek help and is looking forward to her return to ABC News. The network also offered support to Vargas' family throughout her recovery.
"Nothing is more important than Elizabeth's health and well-being, and we stand squarely behind her," ABC spokeswoman Heather Riley said in a statement. "Our thoughts are with Elizabeth and her family, and we look forward to having her back at ABC News when she feels ready to return."
The TV journalist previously spent time in rehab in November 2013. In January, Vargas, who has two children with husband Marc Cohn, told "Good Morning America" that she was a self-proclaimed alcoholic.
"I am an alcoholic. It took me a long time to admit that to myself. It took me a long time to admit it to my family, but I am," she added: "The amount of energy I expended keeping that secret and keeping this problem hidden from view was exhausting. You become so isolated with the secret, so lonely because you can't tell anyone what's happening."
She announced plans to release a memoir about dealing with her disease in spring 2016.
