. >> reporter: that lifelong struggle with alcohoalcohol, on millions who suffer with the disease, yetn the surface elizabeth seemed to be living a golden life. >> but, i mean, people can look at you and say you're so lucky. >> i am so lucky to have my two amazing children and to have this amazing job and to have -- >> resources for people to help. >> you're right. i am lucky. all i can tell you is when you're in the cycle of this disease, though, i lost sight of everything. everything. >> reporter: haunted by crushing insecurity and anxiety that began as a child, vargas says that as a local news anchor she discovered that a glass or two of wine helped soothe frayed nerves. >> it was like, ah, i finally feel relaxed. all my insecurities would sort of fade back. >> reporter: a startling statistic. more than 60% of women who have a problem with alcohol also struggle with anxiety. in 2002 she married singer-songwriter marc cohn. you know his song "walking in memphis." ♪ when i was walking in memphis ♪ she says she did control her drinking as she was taking care of their two sons, zack and