After successfully completing her 30-day rehab program for alcoholism, The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Kim Richards admits for the first time on TV, "I am an alcoholic."
Now, only the new issue of Life & Style--on newsstands now--has the exclusive first look at her emotional interview, which airs during part three of the reunion on Feb. 13.
After battling her addiction for two seasons, Kim, 47, checked herself into the Betty Ford Center near Palm Springs, Calif., for alcoholism and substance abuse in early December. "I just didn't like me anymore," the mom of four confesses to Bravo's Andy Cohen. "I couldn't look at myself in the mirror."
The former child star admits she's had failed stints in rehab, "I've struggled with it, and I've been working on it for a while. I am a person who has done it and relapsed and done it [again]."
Going to rehab was a brave decision, her sister and co-star, Kyle Richards, tells Life & Style. "I know it was difficult for Kim to leave her family and get help," she shares. "I admire her for having the courage to admit she had a problem and to seek treatment."
Looking back, Kim tells Andy, she had hit rock bottom. "I had so much guilt and shame for my behavior...then I drank to cover the guilt and shame and make it go away," she says. "It's a vicious cycle."
Now, with Kyle by her side, Kim is attempting to live a healthy, alcohol-free life. "At least I'm trying," Kim tells Andy. "I'm really trying."
Photo credit: Bravo
