Elizabeth Vargas and Her Story of Anxiety, Alcoholism and Hope

ABC News' Elizabeth Vargas sat down with Diane Sawyer to discuss her struggle with alcoholism and her road to recovery.

[@babygoose8716]

One of the most powerful statements she made was “I would die for my kids but I couldn’t stop drinking for my kids”. Very raw and honest.

[@fire12731]

I got chills when she said that . Heart breaking . Glad she’s on a better path . Feel bad for her

[@enriquev9508]

Yes I will always remember that quote I'm struggling with addiction and my family has always told me if I cared about them I would stop it has nothing to do with that

[@jonon1989]

I know that quote. I know how it feels.

[@ayembic7933]

It perfectly describes how oppressive addiction can feel. If the pain is so immense that you need alcohol to cope, alcohol feels like the only way to even *live* In the depths of addiction, the addict knowingly trades everything to their substance. Family, friends, work, inspiration, the health, everything. All because it takes the pain away, and without that relief, they feel pain almost worse than death. It hurts a lot to sell your loved ones to your disease. It causes a lot of guilt... But I've come to understand now that while it's a shame that it happened, there is no shame in the ways that someone finds to survive when they need it. What's honourable is getting better... Reach out and ask for help. You can get control back. You can be surrounded with and feel in your heart love again. I wish people could appreciate how irrational this disease is. Truly we know how much destruction we cause, it hurts even through the vast amounts of alcohol, but we are no longer in control Good luck to anyone reading this that's struggling. You are more than this pain. Grow. I believe in you.

[@ljubicaradman2533]

@@enriquev9508 It has a lot to do with that. Just stop and think of them and their feelings. Ask for some help somewhere.

[@amyleigh8394]

I can't thank Elizabeth enough for speaking up. She's literally a life saver.

[@CameraShii86]

I watched this is the rehab o attended and as of today I am 44 days sober. Thank you Elizabeth for sharing your story. ❤

[@claudiat.2662]

Good job 👏🏻 I wish you all the best in your recovery

[@Crystal_Libra]

I commend Elizabeth for her honesty & courage. Most people, especially well known, would hide their problem. It's really not anyone's business, she shared her story.. For that I have a lot of RESPECT for her!

[@dariahughes5564]

.4 alcohol level, even with tolerance...she's so tiny, probably no food in her tummy. She's very blessed to be alive. I'm so proud she went public. We're all behind her, and she has the world to hold her accountable now. Good luck honey, we feel ur pain. We all have our vices.

[@thedarci1368]

I am so glad she is getting the help she needs. The key for anyone addicted to anything is to first admit they have the problem then admit they truly want help for the addiction. No one can do it for them it has to reach that point sadly and some never reach that point before it is too late sadly. Wishing Elizabeth the very very best....

[@kevinstgeorge9154]

As a recovering alcoholic myself, I applaud you for your strength and being open. You had me in tears, because so many of us can relate to you and your story, no matter what your position is in life. Thank you SO much for sharing this and letting others know the struggles of alcoholism. Much Love and appreciation to you, Elizabeth! PS, I'm also a big fan of your news casting! :-)

[@keepitallthewayfunky3448]

If you haven’t already read it. Her book Between Breaths is a very good read. I’m also an alcoholic so I could very much relate to her struggles with alcohol.. 🙏🏽

[@user-eo9um6td4c]

totally agree

[@BTheChangeNow]

I LOVE people who have the courage to come out and expose themselves; knowing the ugliness of humanity will cast its self-righteous judgment and yet they do it anyway, they lay their soul bare for the betterment of others. Bless you and your family sweet Elizabeth. The comment about not being able to forgive yourself touched me. Have you tried EMDR? It's amazing. I believe our children choose us and have lessons to learn from our mistakes as well. They will be stronger because of the strength you have shown.

[@sukhjitsandhu7277]

I respect and appreciate every bit of the honesty this women here displays. Its takes a very strong person to open up this way 😊

[@nicholasclarin]

I’ve been battling alcoholism for years at the age of 26. Countless treatments and bouts of hopeful times. I always come back to this documentary. Brings me to tears - every time! Thank you, Elizabeth for sharing your story.

[@nichols3126]

I lovvve Elizabeth V. Omgee thank you for your story...i too am in recovery 3yrs now..single mama getting her children back in my life! Amen

[@kieranpowell6994]

It's weirdly comforting hearing somebody else couldn't say no to alcohol also, the battle with booze can only be understood by people who are going through it or have been through it. I hope one day I can talk about it in the past tense, it's pretty hard to describe to loved ones why you keep drinking when you know the consequences will end badly

[@TheThreekeys]

Incredible bravery to open up to ALL the world about her pain. But what a victory!! It's likely her sons love her so much in spite of what happened. But I'm certain they will only love her MORE as they get older! They, too, will have struggles as they grow and journey through this life and Elizabeth, their mom, will be THAT example for them...and for their children...and for their grandchildren. Way to go, Elizabeth!

[@amandaschmidt1345]

I’m in the middle of this disease. Everything she said is so relatable. I’ve already gone through my divorce because of it I have lost custody because of it when she said she would die for her children but she couldn’t stop drinking for them. Oh my God, that’s so true. I applaud this woman for being so open and honest and brave now I need to find it for myself.

[@kate8452]

This takes so much courage. And to ABC news for not judging and firing her, they decided to support her and bring her back to work, you all are the hero’s. She is truly lucky.

[@bobbypaluga4346]

I just feel sad, she is so smart and so pretty, with a wonderful job and great boys, it's too much to lose. I hope she can beat the alcohol and follow her dreams

[@matthewjohnson2704]

Alcoholism is so hard. You want to be able to drink normally like everyone else but you just can’t and it’s soooo hard to accept. Would love to go have a beer with the boys but it’s never just one. It’s a battle we’ll always fight, keep fighting y’all. Keep fighting

[@nickbarcheck1019]

You could easily drink normally if you had any self control.

[@pauljordan4452]

Tonic water, club soda or non alcoholic beer.

[@nickbarcheck1019]

@@pauljordan4452 Or just drink normally. It's called self control, which nobody seems to have or even want to have anymore.

[@CatrianaAbram]

When she was crying about that song, I felt that.

[@grategrant]

I cant watch this without crying. I'm Grant, and I'm an alcoholic 🖐

[@dreamchaserz333g]

ABC News... Thank You for sharing your video of this Amazing story of Elizabeth Vargas on your Great channel. Very Special Interesting Woman indeed. I heard she was also born in Paterson, New Jersey. 😊 For so was I. 😉 Keep up the Awesome work. She is a very Strong Survivor and I really do Love her Courage Heart... God🙏Bless her. ,

[@m.acquafrescawater]

@HappyFun CoolGuy ... i love your very Nice comment 👌 😊 👍

[@kitteekittee4010]

This breaks my heart

[@TruckieLooks4Aliens]

When I sold my business at 33, I thought I’d be a stay at home wife for a few years- I started to spiral into a deep depression. I lost my identity and luckily I didn’t abuse alcohol but I can really understand that depth of hopelessness where you would

[@randyrysdale852]

everyone has addictions. it may not be booze, it may not be drugs, but everybody has got something

[@antonelabakavic4045]

randy rysdale I agree. We are addicted to something,trying to find a way to run away from problems and to deal with stress of everydays life. And it doesn't have to be some of the worst addictions like alcohol, drugs, prescribed medications,gambling.....or online games, internet, social media, shoping, sex...... As more as we develope in technology, education, and as human beings, we are also developing addictions cause we are not able to handle this "new" way of living. I am pretty sure that majority of people have some additcion, even if they are not aware of it. Life became too demanding and too difficult to live and we all try to find something which (we unfortunately) believe will help us. I feel so sorry for all the people who are struggling with addiction but I admire those who are brave enough to admit they have a problem,who ask for help and who find strenght to fight

[@salvolondon]

randy rysdale mine was food .but luckily I stopped eating like a pig .

[@bzh7648]

My addiction is food. I have lost weight and lived a healthy life style intermittently, but like Ms. Vargas, my root issue is anxiety and depression. I have migraines too. I certainly understand someone being addicted to anything that helps ease the pain. I think shame is a common component too. I blame myself for everything in my life. I even blamed myself for my parents’ Alzheimer’s. I still feel guilty that I didn’t do a better job caring for them, even though I was by myself. Guilt, shame, and unrealistic demands for yourself, just lead to more problems. I’m so glad that Elizabeth got some help. I think her children and she ex husband will probably be more forgiving than she is of herself.

[@ironjohn5914]

P I Z Z A!!!

[@debdavis8958]

I am inspired by your courage and resilience. Thank you for telling your story ~

[@bluesky5384]

Thank you for speaking out on this. Alcohol is so normal in our culture. It's the one drug that advertised to death and always in front of us. Great for those that moderate but for some it's not easy.

[@pauljordan4452]

Trouble is that it IS normalised.

[@GaGaBjork1996]

Beautiful story

[@pwk22]

.4 BAC. That's when this story got real. That's not, 'I'd have a better life if I stopped drinking.' That's, 'I'm going to die soon if I don't stop drinking'.

[@patriciagrisham7935]

I so glad Elizabeth is doing better, I pray she stay strong and fight the goog fight of faith..Keep leaning on Jesus..love you!! Your a beautiful person!

[@lisaotruba8974]

My Husband is going through the same thing and its been hard for both us, we are both scared too with his anxiety attacks, I dont know what to do anymore! Glad you are better now Elizabeth!

[@JamesG1126]

The alcohol is causing the anxiety attacks.

[@jameskochi8326]

I needed to hear this story. Thank you.

[@patriciaquinn-munson7257]

Really a beautiful and brave piece. Thank you Elizabeth for sharing your story.

[@persevere6326]

Brave beyond words

[@surely6067]

Real, raw and courageous. I love Elizabeth vargas and I'm glad she is doing well. Praying for her to stay sober and blessed. God does have something better for u! Amen

[@deesnutz9113]

"I hear the struggle" "I hear the /alcohol/" Very real.

[@antobeny2259]

smart, raw, transparent, empowering

[@lowcabbie]

I remember waking up and having so much anxiety, shaking hands, my stomach was feeling like it was buzzing , I couldn't walk normal, I felt like a robot. I would take alcohol to work just incase I felt bad anxiety. I couldn't travel cause I was scared I would have bad anxiety or panic attacks. It's a bad disease. But there's help. But people need to be honest about your addiction. God loves us !!

[@lisaadonaldson9458]

The autobiography was a great read...eye opening and easy to read. I'm a big fan and so very proud of Beth.

[@miguel.ledesmaledesma1790]

My salute to her. I used to have such a thing for her in my 20’s. My youthful male lust turned to immense respect for her years later,when I myself went through the same struggles and became clean one day at a time. I found yet another kinship through this disease,and a reminder of how ubiquitous and all encompassing this malady is (it is NOT a respecter of persons). And through this kinship,coupled with a sincere desire to be free from its grasp,and likeminded fellowship through GOD’S wonderful grace,I have found just that 😢❤.

[@jonathanshih7233]

Powerful. Keep sharing your message and saving lives.

[@thuamteamangpa564]

My problem.too...thanks

[@Glickan]

So glad that she is feeling better ❤

[@Payton20ADZ]

I love her!

[@grtski]

It takes a very Strong person to admit and share a very private personal struggle in her life. Thanks Elizabeth, your story has inspired me to stop drinking, and began a fresh start in my life.😎😎😎😎

[@jayteesgear]

Elizabeth, you are Brave to have put this out. I hope you are doing well. I myself have over 100 days🙏🏻

[@jonburrows2684]

She is so beautiful!

[@irvingr.fatback886]

Oh my god, King, I thought you were dead!

[@jonburrows2684]

@@irvingr.fatback886 no, I'm trying to beat Grandma Dodgers age of 89. Almost there

[@daisyroxy6656]

I can relate.

[@stevenh4530]

Her husband walked out on her on her worst moment. Got it! He is a P.O.S.

[@michaelbarnette9975]

Good luck with your new journey congratulations 🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀

[@amberreid6242]

This takes so much courage

[@debbieazar9844]

Sounds like my story. Thank u for sharing

[@edwardmcintosh01]

I like her, Liz your awesome

[@polyprinz]

I really like Elizabeth, and just when her world is falling apart, the one person she needed to be there, leaves her. I really don't care for her husband.

[@amycaitlyn1120]

Maybe you have never been with an addicted person...it destroys you. I stayed with my ex husband (cocaine and heroin addict) for ten years waiting for his sobriety. Never happened. Sometimes, you have to save yourself.

[@dreia2405]

You don't know what is to be with an alcoholic, it's a nightmare that destroys you

[@anthonyrodriquez40]

You are an incredible class act ,a long way from Reno television and the anchor no one wanted to work with meehan ,not even camera men ,she was run out

[@mrbojangle6118]

I was so surprised when I found out about her 🍻 drink problem. She looks so young and healthy. She's in her prime.

[@brettmitchell8014]

It amazes me that marijuana is illegal and it causes no health problems and alcohol does. If anything I think alcohol should be illegal.

[@antonelabakavic4045]

Brett Mitchell yep. I was always saying it is the biggest irony of all. I grew up in a small place and marihuana became very popular among younger people in the 80's, but people didn't know much about it and everyone who.was known to smoke weed was considered crazy drug addict, a criminal, a lowlife and since it was a small place, everyone who.was ever marked as druggie was always the subject of the worst gossip and people would literally awoid even come close or talk to a person like that. Smoking weed was like having some dangerous illness. But in the meantime, those who talked the most about how horrible marihuana was, had minumum of three or more family members who were alcoholic. As it was a rural area,with klimate conditions ideal for vineyards everybody was producing vine and liquer and ofcourse drinking it. But to be an alcohlic was perfectly normal and fine, even though many of them died of alcoholism and no one ever died from marihuana. Drinking was always justified and socially acceptable which is so iromic. Bunch of hypocrites

[@eksdee2170]

Know MJ is much healthier but it gives me paranoia and overthinking, I’ve got autism so I overthink enough without substance. But if you can handle it go for it, just absolutely not my thing

[@colywogable]

Yes, it should be the other way around. Alcohol is way more destructive!

[@scentlessxapprentice]

Weed can be very psychologically addictive. I used to love it, smoked all day everyday for a good ten years. I was that dude that said “just smoke weed” or “idk why people drink and do hard drugs I just need weed” but it got boring and I started drinking and doing pills. It definitely led to harder drugs for me at least. Everyone’s different. The best bet is full abstinence from all mood altering substances

[@bzh7648]

Well, prohibition failed miserably but I wasn’t alive then. I don’t know how seriously Law Enforcement tried to support the law.

[@keepitallthewayfunky3448]

I’m reading Between Breaths right now . I remember watching a scene and noticed her slurring . I said to my boyfriend, is she drunk? Of course he looked at me crazy. Being an alcoholic I knew I was right. The book is great and very honest... God bless her and her honesty .. which is very freeing I’m sure. Fuck all you haters.. You hate to see people succeed and get better,! . All because you can’t get yourselves out of a rut ..

[@bzh7648]

Haters have no empathy. They’re people who are deficient in their capacity to understand others, so they certainly have no room to criticize. “There, but for the Grace of God, go I’ - John Bradford

[@ajjpholm]

Ms. Vargas YOU are a STAR. Thank you for sharing your personal story and hope, helping #EndStigma and possibly many lives. #YouAreNotAlone #BeThe1To #EndStigma #B4Stage4

[@GeraltOfRivia99]

I know exactly what she means when she said waking up from drinking is awful the anxiety and panic and sickness..... god its a nitemare

[@fire12731]

You’re beautiful awesome and braver than you think Elizabeth . I hope you can learn to forgive yourself . Bless you . I hope you see all these great comments . You are sunshine ! Keep putting one foot in front of the other the best you can. 🥰🥰❤️🌈🌈💐💐💐🌅🌅

[@Theoracleman50]

Oh god if i had to listen to walking in Memphis i would drink alot too

[@moellis2616]

Had me thinking on the part where they recorded her reading her lines... It didn't sound like she was slurring her words

[@samspeed8812]

Having to listen to Walking in Memphis would make me drink to

[@Payton20ADZ]

very cool woman sis...congrads

[@himnem561]

If her career was wrecked there'd probably have been a good chance she'd have spiraled even lower. Best motto I've read is "Zero drinks is easier than one drink".

[@antonioleal3876]

AS AN ALCOHOLIC MYSELF ONE DRINK IS TOO MANY AND A MILLION IS NOT ENOUGH OCT 16,2014 SOBRIETY DATE COULDN'T HAVE DONE IT WITHOUT A SPONSOR,BIG BOOK, HOME GROUP, MEETINGS, SERVICE,UNITY AND RECOVERY, KEEP COMING BACK UNTIL THE MIRACLE HAPPENS

[@markkalfahs1047]

....if you've never been in the throes of alcoholism, as I've been, you really don't understand the absolute hopelessness, misery, etc. .....disparaging remarks are not stupid, just plain ignorant......for what it's worth, it ONLY took 27 years for this disease to show itself.....but for those 27 years, it was insidiously festering inside of me.....that's the super condensed version of my story......if i could drink "under control" i would, but i can't and those days are gone, FOREVER!!!!!.....odat, btw.....

[@enriquev9508]

Onestly alcahol addiction has nothing to do with brains or not caring about family and friends,it hits u from a different angle a person with n IQ of 200 can fall for this but addiction I know because I'm struggling with it, a dog can drink from a puddle and if it gets him sick he will stop but a human being so smart continues to drink out of that after almost dieng it's incredible

[@jimkennamer8469]

People are like...just stay away...I get it..I cry to my kids..they are smart they do not want to hear me..my solution..stay away...wrong I know..the girls that U love...feel it's best to stay away...I created this...again. thanx

[@Eric-ph4yw]

What a rockstar

[@polygamous1]

Lets be fair now this is Not an American problem its a world problem, sometimes pressures of modern life makes us all drink more than we should at times, personally i feel sorry for her as she seems to be really a kind n sensitive person, i wish you well girl everybody deserves another chance (except child abusers)

[@t.l.duncan1021]

Trust me, the kids will never forget and if things EVER go wrong in their lives SHE will get GUTTED by them. All is lost. Enjoy the sobriety.

[@la1651]

So sad

[@musicrat51]

I wonder if Diane sought out help for her alcohol addiction?

[@tinamiller9599]

❤

[@seankeating12]

She interviewed Eazy-E in 1993 on GANGSTER RAP.... said the N word with “er”.... R.I.P. eazy....

[@elainebmack]

Why is alcoholism called a disease? Isn't drinking to excess a choice?

[@tycobb9869]

she doesn't seem "drunk" on that video b/f her blackout . . . alcohol doesn't seem to harmed her

[@LisaMaryification]

What's with all the angry men on here? Sheesh, go take a nap or something. Anyway, I hate to say it, but her eyes look a bit glassy - like she has a bit of a hangover. However, relapse is common in alcoholism, especially when you first get sober and also, surprisingly, after you've been sober for a long time. Sometimes you get around people, maybe family who drink, and it gradually chips away at your sobriety. If you are from a particularly dysfunctional family, they may outright or inadvertently, persuade you to drink with them. We, as social beings, want to be accepted, so we go ahead and take that fateful drink. But it's the gradual chipping away at your self esteem you should look out for...that's what leads to the drink.

[@LorenRyburn-hx8gi]

Being with reverse intelligence agency, learning to live with love to hate.

[@LorenRyburn-hx8gi]

4:30AM

[@JamesG1126]

Her husband dumped her after rehab. What's the real reason?

[@taraschumacker]

Why is nobody talking about Diane Sawyer being a drunk?!?

[@whiskersredwood7903]

Must have been pretty bad if her husband divorced her.

[@SinMore]

I wake up and wait until beer o'clock. not fun

[@robbiewilliams8580]

Then beer o Clock gets earlier and earlier

[@kapoleikaraoke6086]

Diane Sawyer looks uncomfortable AF

[@jonon1989]

I know what she's going threw. Idk where to look for help

[@justgt1965]

I never thought of alcoholism as a disease. I thought of it as a choice. A disease is something you have no control of getting. Alcohol is a choice you make to drink. An addiction yes, a disease not so much.

[@Mlogan11]

Addiction itself is a disease. Your body becomes accustomed and demands the addictive substance.

[@simonewilson1188]

It is a disease

[@deborahknauf8960]

Hey! I have a new vlog on sobriety and recovery. I would love if you checked it out!

[@user-km1bb4rf5v]

Thank you for sharing....I am also a friend of Bill W.

She's pretty

[@emh8861]

Alcohol helps me so much, the hard part is stopping before you drink too much.

[@antonioleal3876]

ALCOHOL IS CUNNING, BAFFLING AND POWERFUL GOES TO SHOW THIS DEADLY DISEASE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY DESTROYER,FIRST THING FIRST STEP ONE IS THE ONLY ONE 100%, YOU CAN EVER DO AND THE FIRST HALF WHICH IS ADMITTED WE WERE POWERLESS I'M AN ACTIVE AA CONTRIBUTING MEMBER SOBER SINCE OCTOBER 16,2014 AND FOR THAT TRULY GRATEFUL

[@AR-do2ob]

I think her husband never loved her

[@ashleysampson02]

Privileged white woman. Let’s be honest. Had it been a black staff it would’ve been over for her

[@markg.4246]

Most people will never understand the equation. Alcohol is NOT the root problem. Yes, in the beginning, physical sobriety is the goal, but everything after that is about living differently. People who battle addiction are doomed. Live in the solution, it’s as simple as that.

[@jimkennamer8469]

Yep I repeated...gi figure

[@jimkennamer8469]

Yep its 3am..dozed off..who in the hell what did I say...hope they dont hate me...embarrased to look at the messages...just stay away and hide

[@Nolasusan1]

120/20 …why do you ask a gut wrenching question and then wait for a crying or tearful, emotionally disturbing emotional scene. I find this practice pathetic reporting.

[@GameChanger597]

I think it's a tragedy that her husband left her when she needed him the very most. Marriage is in sickness and in health. Now she is in health and their two boys don't have their parents together anymore all because he didn't feel like holding on during a trying time. Now their marriage and family is divided, and for what? Nothing.

[@jarodcurry2692]

How gets drunk on wine... lol

[@LorenRyburn-hx8gi]

Reverse psychology of people' demon 👀 her

[@Local1Laborer]

Those kids don't even look like her.