Brittany Cartwright Reacts to Ex Jax Taylor Revealing His Cocaine Addiction and 'Substance Issues' (Exclusive)

Brittany Cartwright is sharing her reaction to ex Jax Taylor revealing his addiction struggles.

On the March 4 episode of Bravo's Hot Mic podcast, Taylor, 45, told host Alex Baskin that he's been dealing with "substance issues — primarily with cocaine" for the past 20 years. He also said he's "proud" to share he's now 83 days sober.

"People ask you, 'Do you have an alcohol problem too?' I don't necessarily think I have an alcohol problem but the two go hand in hand,” Taylor said. "I can't do cocaine without drinking. So I just gave up both."

In an exclusive statement to PEOPLE, Cartwright, 36, says: "I'm glad that he finally admitted to what was really going on."

"For the first time, I can speak openly about the extent of trauma he's instilled on our family over the years," she continued. "I've tried desperately to help him without success. I pray that one day he completely knocks this addiction, but I'm skeptical. His behaviors are still alarming and his treatment plan seems to be the bare minimum."

Cartwright adds, "I'm trying to navigate this as best as I can for my son and I, but every day is still a challenge and very difficult. Jax has caused an enormous amount of damage and I have very little trust in him at this point. My only hope is that one day, he will be a better person for his son.”

She plans to shed more light on this on her podcast, When Reality Hits, on the episode airing Friday, March 7.

The former couple first met a decade ago in 2015. Since then, their relationship has been documented on Vanderpump Rules, their spinoff Jax & Brittany Take Kentucky and most recently The Valley.

The news of their split broke shortly ahead of The Valley's premiere in February 2024. Cartwright filed for divorce six months later, citing irreconcilable differences and requesting legal and physical custody of their son, Cruz, whom they welcomed in 2021. (Per court documents, Taylor agreed to give Cartwright full legal and physical custody of Cruz in September.)

Amid their separation, it was revealed that Taylor had decided to receive in-patient treatment for his mental health.

"Jax has always been candid about his mental health struggles, especially during the past few months on his podcast,” a representative for Taylor told PEOPLE when he first entered treatment in July. "This is a particularly sensitive time for him and his family. They ask for privacy and respect until he is ready to speak more on this matter."

In a teaser of the upcoming new season of The Valley (the release date for which has not yet been revealed), Cartwright says she and Taylor "are still co-parenting” but alludes to "all hell" breaking "loose.”

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In August, an insider told PEOPLE that season 2 would shock viewers, especially when it came to Cartwright and Taylor's relationship.

“As the new season of The Valley unfolds, a lot of shocking details will come to the surface," the source said at the time. "Since nothing has been off-limits, it may end up being the most unpredictable, no-holds-barred seasons to ever appear on reality television yet."

Season 1 of The Valley can be streamed on Peacock.