Popular HGTV presenter and designer David Bromstad has courageously disclosed that he voluntarily entered a rehabilitation facility to address substance abuse issues, a decision triggered by the extreme stress of a catastrophic home renovation project.
A Dream Home Turned Nightmare
The 52-year-old star of My Lottery Dream Home saw his life begin to unravel after a severe storm devastated his Florida property halfway through its construction. The incident caused extreme water damage, flooding, and excessive mould, forcing Bromstad to completely restart building his "childhood fantasy" home from scratch.
"My mind is going crazy," Bromstad recalled of his lowest point in a special episode titled My Lottery Dream Home: David's Happy Ending, which aired on December 19. "The sleep is becoming less and less and less, 'cause the stress is rising, rising, rising. I was starting to spiral. I got into some unhealthy behaviours."
He admitted that turning to substances provided a deceptively easy escape from the overwhelming distress. "It's really easy to go there when you're under distress," he said. "You know, using substances… it's a real easy escape. I knew I was in trouble."
The Decision to Seek Help
Recognising the profound impact on his mental health, Bromstad knew he needed professional intervention. "I think with the house, with where I'm at emotionally, physically, spiritually, psychologically, everything has stopped," he explained. "I was literally screaming out for help."
He made the pivotal choice: "I need to put my house on hold, and I need to check myself into some sort of program. I need to talk. I need to climb out of this hole. I need to understand why I climbed into it in the first place."
Bromstad revealed that the dream home project was initially an attempt to heal from childhood trauma. He endured bullying and depression while growing up as a closeted queer man. "I was super depressed. I was super bullied," he shared. "And so, for me to idealise my childhood was a complete defence mechanism that was beautiful; it saved me."
A Public Journey to Sobriety and Support
In August 2023, Bromstad marked a milestone by announcing his sobriety in an Instagram post celebrating his 50th birthday. He wrote, "Feels good to be present, sober and living the life I was intended to live."
His candid revelation in the TV special prompted an outpouring of support from viewers. Fans praised his bravery in seeking help, with many sharing how his story resonated with their own experiences. One viewer wrote, "Major respect. Asking for help is very brave. Your story resonates with me. I'm happy you are here."
Bromstad told TVInsider that sharing his full story was crucial. "I have a very blessed and incredible life, and I do know this," he said. "But it doesn't negate the fact that I've had really hard times... I only allowed people to see the bright and shiny parts of me."
He added, "You can't have the bright and shining times without the darkness. I don't push away the darkness. I bring it in because I know the darkness only makes my bright and shiny parts shine that much bigger."
Bromstad has fronted the popular series My Lottery Dream Home since its premiere on HGTV in 2015, and the show is currently airing its 19th season.
