Congresswoman Ann Kirkpatrick Takes A Leave Of Absence For Treatment For Alcohol Dependency

Former District One, and current District Two, Congresswoman Ann Kirkpatrick announced Wednesday she is taking time off from her congressional duties to seek treatment for alcohol dependence stemming from a serious fall. She says with physical therapy she can fully recover from a fall she had last week. Kirkpatrick says the underlying cause of the fall was due to alcohol. Beginning next week she will “receive treatment that I have struggled to ask for, to treat my alcohol dependence.” She said in a statement that “other than being a wife, mother and grandmother, the most important job in the world to me is representing my fellow Arizonans.” Congressman Paul Gosar tweeted a statement saying he’s keeping Kirkpatrick his thoughts and wishes “God speed” to his “friend and fellow Arizonan.” Kirkpatrick is expected to return to her duties in Washington after she receives treatment.