Kim Richards' Family Hit a 'Breaking Point' amid Her Sobriety Struggles, Sister Kyle Richards 'Torn Apart' (Exclusive Source)

Mar. 15, 2025

From left: Kim Richards and Kyle Richards.Photo:Getty(2)

Getty(2)

Kim Richards’ family is at a loss when it comes to the formerReal Housewives of Beverly Hillsstar’s ongoing struggles with substance abuse.

Earlier this week, Kim, 60, and her sisterKyle Richardswere reportedlyinvolved in a disputeamid Kim’s relapse into her alcohol addiction.

A source now tells PEOPLE that the former reality star’s “reliance on alcohol has been an ongoing source of conflict between her and her sisters” with the issue being especially difficult for Kyle, 55.

“It particularly weighs heavily on Kyle, who has always been the worrier of the family,” the insider shares. “She does her best to take care of Kim — and essentially bankrolls Kim’s life, withKathy [Hilton]— but never knows where the line goes between helping and enabling.”

From left: Kathy Hilton, Kyle Richards, and Kim Richards attend Kyle By Alene Too holiday shopping event featuring Bullets For Peace benefiting Safe Passage Charity on Nov. 28, 2012.Rachel Murray/WireImage

While noting that Kim is currently in “a really bad place,” the source says the family is trying to remain tight-lipped about her struggles.

“The family are very private about details, but from the little they’ve said, it’s clear they’ve reached another breaking point with her,” the source says, emphasizing how “this has happened before.”

“It’s the same cycle: chaos until there’s some incident that gets Kim back on track, then brief steadiness as they repair their relationship, then the drinking starts again, Kim makes excuses, Kyle pleads she gets help, etc. etc.,” the source continues.

Over the years, the reality star has been open about her struggles with alcohol addiction, with her sobriety journey even being documented onRHOBH.

In 2010, Kyle famouslyouted Kim to be an alcoholicin the first season of the longtime Bravo show. A year later, the actressentered rehaband then again in April 2015 following her arrest in connection with public intoxication. She left a Malibu treatment facility for her daughter’s nuptials in May 2015, butchecked herself back intwo weeks later.

Kim Richards (L) and Kyle Richards.Amanda Edwards/WireImage

“She has the biggest heart,” the insider says of Kyle. “She loves her sister so much, and always will, but she doesn’t know what else to do.”

According toTMZ, Kim and Kyle had a dispute earlier this week over the formerReal Housewives of Beverly Hillsstar’s relapse into her alcohol addiction.

From left: Kim Richards and Kyle Richards arrive to host the grand opening of Azure luxury pool at The Palazzo on April 10, 2011 in Las Vegas, Nevada.Steven Lawton/FilmMagic

A spokesperson for the Los Angeles Police Department confirmed to PEOPLE that law enforcement reported to an incident on Wednesday, Sept. 25, in the Encino area, where a source tells PEOPLE Kyle owns a home that Kim had recently been staying in.

The LAPD tells PEOPLE officers responded to “keep the peace” after a female reportedly violated a restraining order. However, after an investigation, they determined there was no order on file and no crime was committed.

“Both parties were informed of the eviction process and officers kept the peace,” added officials, who could not confirm Kim and Kyle’s involvement in the scuffle.

A manager for Kim and Kyle has not responded to requests for comment from PEOPLE.

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According to TMZ, earlier this month Kim was staying in a Hilton hotel until she was placed on a 5150 psychiatric hold and taken to a hospital for her “incoherent” behavior. After her release, Kyle reportedly allowed Kim to stay in her home to help her get back on her feet.

The outlet reported that the family has cut off all contact with Kim in hopes the shut-out will help her get sober again.

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, please contact the SAMHSA helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.

source: people.com