David Bromstad, the star of HGTV, has candidly shared his struggles with substance abuse in his latest special, “My Lottery Dream Home: David’s Happy Ending,” which premiered on December 19, 2023. The television personality revealed that a significant event—storm damage to his Florida home—led him to seek treatment for his addiction issues.
The storm caused severe damage to Bromstad’s home, which he had designed as a personal sanctuary to help heal from childhood trauma associated with bullying. The extensive mold and the need to strip the structure down to its studs triggered what he described as a personal crisis. “I got into some unhealthy behaviors and it’s really easy to go there when you’re under distress,” Bromstad stated in the special. “I knew I was in trouble.”
Connection Between Home and Healing
The renovation project held deep significance for the 52-year-old designer. As he faced the physical destruction of his dream home, he found it difficult to separate that loss from his emotional well-being. “Back when I was a teenager, I didn’t deal with what really happened,” he reflected. “Now my childhood fantasy, my house, is broken, like me.” The connection between his home’s state and his emotional health became apparent to him as the renovation stalled.
Bromstad recognized the need for help amid his struggles. “With the house, with where I’m at emotionally, physically, spiritually, psychologically, everything has stopped. I was literally screaming out for help,” he said. This realization prompted him to take action. “I decided it’s time. I need to put my house on hold and I need to check myself into some sort of program,” he explained. His commitment to understanding his situation marked a pivotal moment in his recovery journey.
Reflecting on Recovery
After completing his treatment, Bromstad celebrated his 50th birthday in August 2023 with a trip to Norway. He shared reflections on his Instagram account, highlighting the challenges and rewards of his recovery. “Learning to love myself, warts and all, has been the hardest and most beautiful process,” he wrote in one post. In another, he expressed his newfound sense of clarity: “It feels good to be present, sober and living the life I was intended to live.”
Bromstad’s openness about his struggles serves as a reminder of the importance of mental health awareness and the often-hidden battles many face. His journey from trauma to healing reflects not only personal growth but also the power of seeking help when needed. Through his story, he aims to inspire others who may be confronting their own challenges.
