Brittany Cartwright Defends Staying With Jax Taylor Despite 'Irreparable Damage' His Addiction Was Causing!

Brittany Cartwright is firing back at those who’ve criticized her for staying with Jax Taylor so long!

In case you missed it, Jax admitted for the first time on the Hot Mic Podcast on Tuesday that he has been struggling with “substance abuse issues — primarily with cocaine.” It’s not something Vanderpump Rules fans are shocked by. They suspected Jax had indulged in the pasta since day one when the show premiered back in 2013! He’s just finally ready to admit it since he’s somewhat clean!

According to The Valley star, he is sober-ish. He hasn’t had any cocaine or alcohol in 83 days, the “longest” he has ever gone without either. However, he does “still smoke weed a little bit” in order “to sleep.” So, he’s what we would call California sober these days.

Related: Paris Jackson’s Grandma ‘Devastated’ By Drug Confession — Sees ‘Clear Parallels’ To Michael!

These issues go WAY back for the 45-year-old reality star, on and off since he was 23 years old — meaning Brittany knew about and experienced them through their entire time together. Ouch.

While it sounds like Jax has taken the steps in the right direction, even going to therapy weekly, his estranged wife has her doubts! Britt reacted to the admission to People that same day, saying she “tried desperately to help him without success” over the years. While she hopes Jax can completely knock out his addiction one day, she is “skeptical” he has done so at this time because “his behaviors are still alarming and his treatment plan seems to be the bare minimum.” Uh oh.

Now Brittany is further speaking out about the situation AND having to defend herself! Why? People are questioning why she stayed with Jax all these years despite knowing he struggled with addiction. She took to Instagram Stories on Tuesday night first to reiterate Jax’s “actions” have done nothing to convince her he’s on a good path — and to tease just how harmful this has been for her and her son:

“His addiction unfortunately has done irreparable damage to my son and I. I’ve spent years trying to help him. I wish more than anyone I could say how proud I am of him today but I’d be lying. His actions will speak for themselves.”

She also addressed her critics, clapping back:

“And to those asking why I stayed if I knew he had a problem all these years: You can’t help who you fell in love with. I’ve done absolutely everything in my power to get him the help he desperately needed. Unfortunately, I was naive and believed his empty promises and his pleads to change for years. Once you have a child with someone it’s not easy to leave. It took everything in my power to gather the strength to walk away. For those that have been through similar, you get it. For those that question me..that’s okay. I’m in a much better place now.”

Do people really think it’s fair to judge Brittany for being with Jax for so long through his addiction? People who have had partners or loved ones struggle with substance abuse issues know it’s not easy. It’s one of the hardest things to go through. You still love them for who they are, outside of their addiction, and want to stand by them. You want them to change and get sober. And giving up? Deciding they’ve had enough chances? When do you make that call??

Brittany finally decided to do what’s best for herself — and her kid — and walk away. So give her some grace right now, y’all.

Reactions, Perezcious readers? Let us know in the comments.

If you or someone you know is experiencing substance abuse, help is available. Consider checking out the resources SAMHSA provides at https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline or check out StartYourRecovery.org.

[Image via Access Hollywood/Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen/YouTube]

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