Between Breaths

A Memoir of Panic and Addiction

By: Elizabeth Vargas

Narrated by: Elizabeth Vargas

Books for a Better Life, First Book winner, 2017

Beloved former ABC 20/20 anchor Elizabeth Vargas shares the truth about her alcohol addiction and anxiety disorder in a shockingly honest and emotional memoir.

From the moment she uttered the brave and honest words, "I am an alcoholic," to interviewer George Stephanopoulos, Elizabeth Vargas began writing her story, as her experiences were still raw. Now, in Between Breaths, Vargas discusses her accounts of growing up with anxiety—which began suddenly at the age of six when her father served in Vietnam—and how she dealt with this anxiety as she came of age, eventually turning to alcohol for a release from her painful reality. The now-A&E Network reporter reveals how she found herself living in denial about the extent of her addiction, and how she kept her dependency a secret for so long. She addresses her time in rehab, her first year of sobriety, and the guilt she felt as a working mother who could never find the right balance between a career and parenting. Honest and hopeful, Between Breaths is an inspiring listen. Winner of the Books for a Better Life Award in the First Book category Instant New York Times and USA Today best seller.

©2016 Elizabeth Vargas (P)2016 Hachette Audio

Critic reviews

"Read this book. If you love the sunrise and you want to see courage—the kind that stumbles and falls but rises and rises again. With love of family. And work that saves. My dazzling friend and colleague, Elizabeth Vargas, has stared straight into the lethal heart of addiction with the eye of a fearless journalist. She has written a book for us all about truth, bravery, and the hope that a new day brings."—Diane Sawyer

"What my colleague Elizabeth has produced is not only a compelling read but also an act of true courage. This book is going to help a lot of people."—Dan Harris, author of 10% Happier

"This gripping memoir of addiction takes readers from the highs of Vargas's successful news career to the low of alcoholism, and through the grace of recovery."—Publisher's Weekly

Honest and responsible

She takes full responsibility for her actions. She respects her ex and never blames him.

A Vision for You

Powerful story!!! Thank you Elizabeth Vargas for sharing!!! You are an inspiration, keep coming back!!!

If you don't think alcoholism is a disease....

...then listen to this book. I am not an alcoholic, but have had many in my life including both of my parents. I always felt that drinking was a choice and could be stopped with desire. I have listened to many wonderful speakers, but must say that Elizabeth is profound. Her story kept me entertained as much or more than the mysteries and thrillers I usually listen to. I was brought to tears several times by the immense sadness of her situation and memories of my own. What a wonderful writer and speaker! I was deeply moved by this book. Thank you so much, Elizabeth!

A raw yet captivating memoir

I've always admired Elizabeth Vargas for her on air talent but now I admire her more for the courage to share her journey and own her truth. Well done! I pray that you maintain the strength to remain sober while loving yourself unconditionally.

Well written, author does a great job reading

After reading this is made me realize that successful people are real too. They have struggles no one knows about. Elizabeth is real and authentic and leaves nothing behind. Loved this booked, hated to see it come to an end. So well written!

thank you

love your story and could relate to so much! I have 14 months today and hearing your story helped me remember more of mine

Real life

At first I was like hmmm I’m not an alcoholic
And I’m still not. But I’m sure in my lifetime I’ve encountered many who are weather they admit it or not. This book gave me insight to what they must be going thru. My crutch has always been food. I’m feeling thankful it hasn’t been drugs or alcohol. Thank you Elizabeth for your honest account. Blessings to you

Honest and relatable....

This story was well told and i especially enjoyed it because she was sharing her intimate struggles, thoughts, and feelings of her journey with drinking, relapse, sobriety. I especially liked the fact that she read the story to us.

So good

I have always loved Elizabeth Vargas love her even more after hearing her hard story. Every one has hard things to deal with in life.
Thanks Elizabeth for sharing your challenge with the world it makes me love and respect you even more.

incredibly courageous book to write and read.

This book was compelling and raw. A story of hope and struggle to overcome addiction.