A Journalist's Journey to Recovery

Elizabeth Vargas, a veteran ABC News anchor, faced a hidden battle behind the camera. For years, she struggled with anxiety and alcoholism, two interconnected issues that plagued her personal and professional life.

Sixty percent of women who are alcoholics also suffer from anxiety, a statistic Vargas herself highlighted during a public speaking engagement. Her journey from denial to acceptance and recovery became a powerful story of resilience and hope.

Vargas took her private struggle public in 2013, shedding light on the often-misunderstood relationship between anxiety and addiction. She penned a memoir titled "Between Breaths" in 2017, detailing her experiences and offering insight into the challenges faced by those battling similar demons. By sharing her story, Vargas aims to help others and break down the stigma surrounding mental health and substance abuse issues in the high-pressure world of broadcast journalism.

Elizabeth Vargas: A Profile

Elizabeth Vargas is an Emmy award-winning journalist with a distinguished career in broadcast news. She joined ABC News in 1996, quickly becoming a prominent figure in American journalism.

Vargas held several high-profile positions during her tenure at ABC:

Co-anchor of "20/20"
Co-anchor of "World News Tonight"
News anchor for "Good Morning America"

Her reporting covered a wide range of topics, from breaking news to in-depth investigations. Vargas gained recognition for her skilled interviewing and clear, concise delivery of complex stories.

Despite her professional success, Vargas privately struggled with anxiety and alcoholism. These personal challenges eventually became public, leading to her departure from ABC News in 2017.

After leaving ABC, Vargas continued her journalism career. She authored a memoir titled "Between Breaths," detailing her experiences with anxiety and addiction.

Vargas' openness about her struggles has helped raise awareness about mental health issues in the media industry. Her story highlights the often-hidden pressures faced by high-profile journalists.

Today, Vargas remains active in broadcasting, contributing to various news programs and advocating for mental health awareness.

Understanding Anxiety and Its Impacts

Anxiety is a prevalent mental health condition that can significantly affect daily life. It manifests through various symptoms and can lead to intense episodes known as panic attacks.

The Nature of Anxiety

Anxiety involves persistent worry and fear about future events. It can cause physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat, sweating, and trembling. Many people experience anxiety in response to stress or uncertainty.

Chronic anxiety may interfere with work, relationships, and overall well-being. It often co-occurs with other mental health issues, such as depression.

Treatment options for anxiety include therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes. Cognitive-behavioral therapy helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns.

Panic Attacks and Their Effects

Panic attacks are sudden, intense surges of fear and discomfort. They typically peak within minutes and can include symptoms such as:

Palpitations
Shortness of breath
Chest pain
Dizziness
Feeling of unreality

These episodes can be frightening and may lead to avoidance behaviors. Some individuals develop a fear of future attacks, known as panic disorder.

Panic attacks can disrupt daily activities and quality of life. They may occur unexpectedly or in response to specific triggers. Learning coping strategies and seeking professional help can reduce their frequency and severity.

The Nexus of Alcoholism and Anxiety

Alcoholism and anxiety often intertwine, creating a complex and challenging cycle for those affected. This connection manifests through self-medication attempts and recurring relapses.

Self-Medication and Its Risks

Many individuals with anxiety turn to alcohol as a coping mechanism. Elizabeth Vargas, like numerous others, used alcohol to manage her anxiety symptoms. This self-medication approach provides temporary relief but carries significant risks.

Alcohol can initially reduce anxiety, leading to a false sense of calm. However, as tolerance builds, more alcohol is needed to achieve the same effect. This escalation can rapidly lead to dependence and addiction.

The risks of self-medicating with alcohol include worsening anxiety symptoms over time, impaired judgment, and potential health complications. It can also mask underlying mental health issues, delaying proper diagnosis and treatment.

The Cycle of Addiction and Relapses

Alcoholism and anxiety create a vicious cycle that's difficult to break. As anxiety symptoms intensify, the urge to drink increases. This pattern often leads to relapses, even after periods of sobriety.

Stress, social situations, and untreated anxiety can trigger relapses. Each relapse can reinforce feelings of shame and failure, further fueling anxiety and the desire to drink.

Breaking this cycle requires addressing both the addiction and the underlying anxiety. Professional treatment, therapy, and support groups play crucial roles in recovery. Developing healthy coping mechanisms and stress management techniques is essential for maintaining sobriety and managing anxiety long-term.

Beyond the Spotlight: Vargas' Personal Struggle

Elizabeth Vargas' journey with anxiety and alcoholism revealed a stark contrast between her public image and private battles. Her struggles led to controversy and scrutiny, particularly regarding her blood alcohol levels.

Public Perception vs. Private Battles

Elizabeth Vargas projected confidence and poise on-screen as a respected news anchor. Behind the scenes, she grappled with severe anxiety and alcoholism. Vargas hid her panic attacks and drinking for years, believing these issues were shameful.

Her perfectionism and fear of failure fueled her insecurities. She used alcohol to self-medicate, temporarily easing her anxiety. This coping mechanism eventually spiraled into addiction.

Vargas' colleagues and viewers were largely unaware of her internal turmoil. Her ability to maintain a professional facade while battling personal demons highlights the disparity between public personas and private struggles.

Vargas' Blood Alcohol Level Controversy

In 2014, Vargas' alcoholism became public knowledge after she sought treatment. Reports surfaced about an incident where she allegedly arrived at work with a high blood alcohol level.

ABC News faced criticism for allowing Vargas to go on air in that state. The network denied these claims, stating they would never knowingly put an impaired employee on television.

This controversy sparked discussions about workplace policies regarding substance abuse. It also raised questions about the pressure faced by public figures to maintain their image at all costs.

Vargas later addressed the incident in her memoir, providing her perspective on the events and their impact on her career and recovery journey.

'Between Breaths': A Chronicle of Recovery

Elizabeth Vargas' memoir "Between Breaths" offers a candid look at her struggle with anxiety and alcoholism. The book provides insights into her journey to sobriety and raises awareness about addiction.

Journey to Sobriety

Vargas' path to recovery began with her admission on national television: "I am an alcoholic." This brave statement marked the start of her healing process. In "Between Breaths," she details the challenges she faced, including multiple stints in rehab.

The memoir explores how Vargas' anxiety fueled her alcohol dependence. She describes using alcohol as a coping mechanism for panic attacks and work-related stress. Her recovery involved addressing both her addiction and underlying anxiety disorder.

Vargas shares her experiences in treatment centers and the tools she learned to maintain sobriety. She emphasizes the importance of support systems and therapy in her ongoing recovery.

The Role of Memoir in Awareness

"Between Breaths" serves as a powerful tool for raising awareness about addiction and mental health. By sharing her story, Vargas helps reduce stigma surrounding these issues.

The book offers hope to those struggling with similar challenges. Vargas' honesty about her relapses and setbacks provides a realistic portrayal of recovery. Her experiences resonate with many readers, fostering understanding and empathy.

Vargas uses her platform as a journalist to shed light on addiction in a personal way. The memoir has sparked discussions about high-functioning alcoholism and the pressures faced by professionals in demanding careers.

The Pursuit of Treatment and Healing

Elizabeth Vargas sought professional help to address her anxiety and alcoholism. She explored various treatment options and incorporated alternative approaches into her recovery journey.

Rehabilitation Experiences

Vargas entered rehab multiple times to combat her alcohol addiction. She spent time at inpatient facilities, focusing on intensive therapy and group sessions. These programs provided structure and support, helping her understand the roots of her addiction.

During rehab, Vargas learned coping mechanisms to manage anxiety without resorting to alcohol. She participated in cognitive behavioral therapy, which helped her identify and change negative thought patterns.

Vargas also engaged in family therapy sessions, working to repair relationships strained by her addiction. These experiences taught her the importance of honesty and vulnerability in recovery.

Alternative Approaches: Meditation and Therapy

Vargas incorporated meditation into her daily routine to manage anxiety. She practiced mindfulness techniques, learning to observe her thoughts without judgment. This helped reduce the intensity of anxious feelings and cravings for alcohol.

She also explored different types of therapy, including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). This approach helped Vargas process traumatic memories linked to her anxiety.

Vargas found value in holistic treatments like yoga and acupuncture. These practices complemented traditional therapy, promoting overall well-being and stress reduction.

Regular exercise became an important part of her recovery, boosting mood and reducing anxiety symptoms.

Hope and Advocacy in the Face of Adversity

Elizabeth Vargas has transformed her personal struggles into a powerful platform for change. She now uses her experiences to inspire others and advocate for better mental health and addiction support.

Vargas' Message of Hope

Vargas openly shares her journey of recovery, offering encouragement to those facing similar challenges. In her interview with Diane Sawyer, she emphasized the possibility of overcoming addiction and anxiety. Vargas credits her support system, including her ex-husband Marc Cohn, for helping her through difficult times.

She stresses the importance of seeking help and not feeling ashamed. Vargas' story serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and the potential for positive change, even in the face of severe addiction and mental health issues.

Advocating for Mental Health and Addiction Support

Vargas has become a vocal advocate for improved mental health and addiction resources. She uses her platform as a news anchor to raise awareness about these issues, aiming to reduce stigma and promote understanding.

Vargas emphasizes the need for better access to treatment and support services. She speaks at events and participates in initiatives that focus on mental health and addiction. Her efforts contribute to a broader conversation about the importance of addressing these challenges in society.

Through her advocacy work, Vargas strives to create a more supportive environment for those struggling with addiction and mental health issues.

News and Nerves: Elizabeth Vargas' Battle with Anxiety and Alcoholism