February 27, 2020 / Modified feb 27, 2020 9:18 a.m.

Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick returns to House after alcohol treatment

Kirkpatrick will hold a "Congress on your corner" event this weekend as part of her return.

kirkpatrick azpm December 2018 file photo of Democratic Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick in the AZPM studios.
AZPM

U.S. Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick of Arizona is returning to Congress after a six-week absence for treatment of alcoholism.

In January she revealed she was suffering from alcohol abuse and would seek treatment. In a statement Wednesday she thanked her family, staff, and constituents for what she called overwhelming support. The Southern Arizona representative said recovery is a lifelong process and she will share more about her experience.

Kirkpatrick will hold a "Congress on your corner" event this weekend as part of her return.

The Democratic lawmaker told The Arizona Republic that she didn't know she had a problem with substance abuse until she fell on a Metro platform in Alexandria, Virginia, in January. She says she's unsure how much wine she had with lunch before rushing to the Capitol for a vote that came three hours earlier than expected.

She suffered a fractured spine, cracked ribs and a gash in her head. She says she's grateful her injuries weren't more severe and appreciates the support of her family and congressional colleagues.


The Associated Press contributed to this story.

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