Elizabeth Vargas, 51-year-old “20/20” anchor admitted to “Good Morning America” co-anchor George Stephanopoulos, “I am. I am an alcoholic.”

The news comes as somewhat of a shock to the viewing public who came to know Vargas as a sharp, insightful and witty commentator; however, it just goes to show that addiction is something anyone can suffer from.

During an appearance on “Good Morning America” on Friday, Elizabeth Vargas opened up and shared the most honest appraisal of her drinking to date. She disclosed, “I am. I am an alcoholic.” New York Daily News reports that she the went on to say, “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 also went on to say that, “The amount of energy expended keeping that secret and keeping this problem hidden from view was exhausting.” Vargas went on to explain that while she herself had done in-depth specials on “20/20” about alcohol abuse and addiction, she was unable to see a problem with her own drinking.

New York Daily News reports her husband, Marc Cohn felt otherwise. “You have a problem,” he said. “You’re an alcoholic.” Sometimes it’s easier for those observing the situation to see things more clearly, especially with someone you love.

Despite her husband’s pleadings, Vargas continued to drink, reportedly showing up “in no shape” to perform an interview at work.

Vargas explains that her drinking was a way of coping with stress and her occasional panic attacks. It appears that the drinking just made things worse.

She explains that her two sons, ages seven and ten, even began to notice her nightly drinking ritual. She goes on to say, “I should’ve realized it was a problem way back when Zachary, my oldest son, was born. And he used to call my nightly glass of wine “mommy’s juice.” You know, and I thought that was hysterical. It didn’t occur to me that that was a problem.”

After two back-to-back stints in rehab this past November, Vargas has addressed her issue with excessive drinking and seems to be heading down the right path.

New York Daily News reports she told Stephanopoulos, “You know, this isn’t what I want to be known for, but I’m really proud of what I did.”

Elizabeth Vargas explains that she is currently maintaining her sobriety, attending AA meetings, and staying close to “great, great friends who I love and who love me.”