Elizabeth Vargas checks into rehab for alcohol abuse

NEW YORK, Nov. 6 (UPI) -- U.S. broadcast journalist Elizabeth Vargas announced Wednesday she has checked into a rehab to undergo treatment for alcohol abuse.

"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," Vargas said in a statement to People.com. "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, 51, is the co-anchor of ABC's "20/20."

The statement did not identify the treatment center.