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Arizona lawmaker returns to House after alcohol treatment

Posted at 1:04 PM, Feb 26, 2020
and last updated 2020-02-26 15:04:40-05

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

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.