Arizona Democrat to get treatment for alcohol dependence after suffering fall

Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick (D-Ariz.) announced Wednesday that she will be taking a hiatus as she undergoes treatment for “alcohol dependence.”

The announcement came after Kirkpatrick, 69, had a “serious” fall, the “underlying cause” of which she said was her dependence on alcohol. She must undergo physical therapy for the fall and is expected to fully recover.

Next week she will begin treatment for her alcoholism.

“I am finally seeking this help after struggling to do so in the past, and I am ready to admit that I, like countless other Americans, suffer from this disease,” she wrote in a statement. “Hard work and determination — which have brought me success in life — have not been enough to win this battle. Other than being a wife, mother, and grandmother, the most important job in the world to me is representing my fellow Arizonans. I know I must get better in order to do my best in each of these roles.”

In the statement Kirkpatrick did not say how long she expects to be away from Capitol Hill but made clear both her district office in Tucson and Capitol office will continue to run as usual, and her stance on votes will be submitted for the Congressional Record.