In a recent episode of 'Vanderpump Rules,' Tom Schwartz revealed some heartbreaking news about his brother, Bert Schwartz. It was shared that Bert was hospitalized in July due to cirrhosis, a severe scarring of the liver, caused by his chronic alcoholism. This was his third time entering rehab, but unfortunately, his condition worsened, requiring him to be rushed to the hospital.
Schwartz expressed his shock and concern, stating that he hadn't realized the severity of his brother's situation until now. In a confessional, he reminisced about how his brother used to be like a ray of sunshine, but after being jumped outside a bar, he was never the same. From that point on, Bert started developing a dependency on alcohol.
Witnessing a loved one suffer from addiction is incredibly difficult for the entire family, and Schwartz admitted that it has made him reevaluate his own drinking habits. The impact of addiction on both the individual and their loved ones is brutal, and Schwartz's experience with his brother has made him rethink the moderation of alcohol in his own life.
Schwartz previously mentioned his triplet brothers, Bert, Billy, and Brandon, explaining that they live together in Florida. He lovingly described them as sweet kids with an exceptional dynamic that only triplets can have.
In 2016, Schwartz's friends and co-stars, Jax Taylor and Tom Sandoval, surprised him by flying out all three brothers for his wedding to Katie Maloney. It was a heartwarming gesture that showcased the bond between the Schwartz siblings.
Since the filming of the episode, there haven't been any updates on Bert's condition or progress. Schwartz and the rest of the 'Vanderpump Rules' group are known for their cocktails and fun-loving nature, but it seems that Schwartz may be considering a different approach. He confided in his co-star, Lala Kent, who has been sober for five years, about being 'sober curious,' which means choosing to avoid alcohol for personal or wellness reasons while practicing more moderate and mindful drinking.
Several of Schwartz's co-stars have also made changes in their drinking habits. Scheana Shay stopped drinking while taking medication for her OCD and anxiety, and James Kennedy previously remained sober for two years. During the Season 11 premiere of the show, Kennedy announced that he was once again not drinking and focusing on meditation and a healthier lifestyle.
Tom Sandoval, who had a cheating scandal with Raquel Leviss, shared his experience of quitting alcohol and focusing on fitness. However, he later revealed that he resumed drinking after eight-and-a-half months, feeling that he had achieved the goals he had set for himself.
It's clear that addiction and its impact on individuals and families are ongoing struggles. Bert's situation serves as a reminder of how devastating addiction can be and the importance of supporting loved ones through their recovery journey. We hope for the best for Bert Schwartz and commend Tom Schwartz for his honesty and introspection amid difficult circumstances.
