The Untold Truth Of HGTV Star David Bromstad's Struggles With Addiction

The following article includes mentions of substance abuse.

HGTV star David Bromstad is letting fans in on a tragic part of his life that he hasn't shared much about before. In an upcoming episode of his series, "My Lottery Dream Home," Bromstad will show fans what it was like giving his Central Florida home a major makeover. The special is called "My Lottery Dream Home: David's Happy Ending." And, in anticipation of the special's December 19 premiere, he got candid about the hard times that led him to that "happy ending:" he's opening up about his struggles with addiction.

In an August 2023 Instagram post, Bromstad wrote, "Feels good to be present, sober and living the life I was intended to live." Yet, the tough times that led to this sobriety remained a mystery to his many fans. In an interview with TV Insider, the 52-year-old home design expert spoke openly about his past, which he will go into detail about in his upcoming special. "Through substance abuse and not being kind to myself, the one thing that's always remained secure and steady has been my creative talent," Bromstad explained. Now, he's ready to share what he wasn't before. He noted, "It was important for me to open up about the reality of my life. I have a very blessed and incredible life... But... I've had really hard times in my existence."

If you or anyone you know needs help with addiction issues, help is available. Visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website or contact SAMHSA's National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

In a clip from "My Lottery Dream Home: David's Happy Ending," David Bromstad gets more in depth about how, as he put it to TV Insider, this new house "... isn't the first time art has saved my life." "With all of the drama, the house, the stress, insurance claims, needing money — I just had to keep busy... Everything was in chaos," he told People. This is when Bromstad immersed himself in getting his house ready. "I called it art in the moment, but it wasn't. It was a cover-up to what was really happening. I was losing control," he said, noting, "I was starting to spiral. I got into some unhealthy behaviors and it's really easy to go there when you're under distress." Bromstad explained that "Using substances has been...it's a real easy escape to take yourself out of a stressful situation," adding, "I knew I was in trouble."

At the end of this journey full of ups and downs, he completed a hike on Reinenbringen in Norway, which he said helped him conquer his fear of heights. This is when he mentioned being sober to his Instagram followers. "I've been thru a lot the last few years, which I will share when I'm ready, and this was incredibly symbolic for me," he wrote in the caption. Evidently, he is now ready to talk about what he's been through, and it's sure to resonate with his many fans.