Lecture on Elizabeth Vargas' Journey with Alcoholism

Introduction

Initial Experiences:
- Began drinking to cope with anxiety and insecurities
- Romanticized drinking, leading to a dependency
Impact on Life:
- Despite having support and resources, couldn't stop drinking
- Reached a point of lethal alcohol levels without stopping
- Drinking affected her career and personal life
- Secret drinking led to hiding and sneaking behaviors
Family Impact:
- Deep regret for the impact on children
- Marriage to Mark Cohn ended partly due to alcoholism

Rehab and Recovery Efforts:
- Initial short stint in rehab; returned to drinking soon after
- Realization of the need for help and reaching out to others
- Support from ABC to seek treatment
Critical Incidents:
- Public and professional life affected by hidden drinking
- Emergency room visit after a blackout; stranger saved her life

Medical Perspective:
- Heavy drinking alters brain chemistry, leading to dependency
- Anxiety as a common link among women alcoholics
Personal Reflections:
- Denial and resistance to accepting alcoholism
- Struggle with the identity of being an alcoholic

Support Systems:
- Participation in support groups and meetings
- Meditation for managing anxiety
Personal Growth:
- Learning to leave situations where tempted to drink
- Development of a new daily routine promoting sobriety
Lessons Learned:
- Importance of living one day at a time in recovery
- Accountability to oneself and loved ones

Book: "Between Breaths" – sharing her journey to help others
Encouragement:
- Acknowledges continuous support from colleagues, family, and friends
- Encourages others to seek help and support loved ones battling addiction