Sen. Faith Winter, D-Westminster, publicly apologized in the state Senate on Friday over problems tied to alcohol abuse.

Last July, a Senate ethics committee decided Winter had violated a Senate ethics rule when residents said she showed up drunk at a public meeting in Thornton on April 3.

Colorado Senator Faith Winter to seek treatment for alcohol use, checking in to rehab

The ethics committee concluded, 4-1, that Winter violated Rule 41, which requires her, as a member of the Senate, to perform her “legislative duties at all times in a manner that promotes public confidence in the integrity and independence of the Senate and of the General Assembly.”

The committee, however, rejected a censure or expulsion for Winter, instead sending a letter to then-Senate President Steve Fenberg to admonish her for her behavior and to encourage her to continue seeking treatment for substance abuse. The committee also urged Winter to address the Senate as part of resolving the issue.

“The evidence that we received indicated that this was part of a larger pattern, that it was not the first instance,” said then-Sen. Bob Gardner, R-Colorado Springs.

Winter thanked the ethics committee and said she agreed with their decision.

“I made unfortunate choices” that harmed herself, her friends and family, the Democratic caucus, the Senate, and her community, Winter said, “I apologize for the harm I’ve caused the institution and the people who serve in it.”

She also apologized for “not representing my community as my best self.”

Winter said she loves legislating and turning constituent’s “hopes and dreams and fears into legislation that solves problems.”

“I’m sorry this was an interruption to that work,” she said.

Winter noted she’s experienced mental health issues, child abuse and sexual abuse, chronic illness, and brain injury. She said she chose to self-medicate with alcohol instead of getting treatment.

Winter said she began treatment immediately, and with the help of the state’s health insurance and the Senate’s investment in mental health, she has gotten the help she needed.

“Recovery isn’t easy, but I’m making strides,” Winter said.

She said she remains in treatment and said she is in the best health she’s been in years and that she’s now helping others to access recovery.

“Today, living this publicly has brought so much shame,” she said. “We need to work together to address the shame.”

Senators applauded as she concluded her remarks.