Sen. John Flanagan, the Republican leader of the New York State Senate, announced Sunday that he sought treatment for alcohol addiction after realizing that drinking “was becoming a crutch to deal with pressure I was under related to my responsibilities as majority leader.” He said he hoped that acknowledging his problem helps to lessen the stigma around alcohol abuse. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo later tweeted his support. “Alcoholism is a disease. [Sen. Flanagan] deserves our respect & support for seeking help & for talking about it as an example for others.”