LOS ANGELES — ABC News reporter Elizabeth Vargas has returned to a recovery center to be treated for alcohol dependency, she and the network said.

The “20/20” co-anchor said in an e-mailed statement that she checked into a treatment facility this weekend while on vacation.

“As so many other recovering alcoholics know, overcoming the disease can be a long and incredibly difficult process,” Vargas said. “I feel I have let myself, my co-workers and most importantly my family down and for that I am ashamed and sorry.”

Vargas said she was “committed to battling and addressing this debilitating disease” and expressed thanks for the support.