HGTV Star David Bromstad Reveals He Checked Himself Into Rehab While Facing Substance Abuse During Florida Dream Home Renovation

HGTV star David Bromstad has shared a candid look at a challenging chapter in his life, revealing that he checked himself into rehab while navigating substance abuse amid an ambitious home renovation.

The 52-year-old designer faced unexpected setbacks when his dream home in Florida was devastated by storms, forcing him to start over from scratch.

When Stress Became Overwhelming

Speaking on My Lottery Dream Home: David’s Happy Ending, which aired December 19, Bromstad described the immense pressure he felt as his project unraveled.

“My mind is going crazy. The sleep is becoming less and less… the stress is rising, rising, rising,” he said.

He admitted that in the midst of mounting anxiety, he slipped into “unhealthy behaviors” and sought escape through substances, recognizing the danger he was putting himself in.

A Home Destroyed, A Mind in Turmoil

The Florida property suffered extensive water damage, flooding, and mold, derailing Bromstad’s long-cherished vision of a childhood dream home.

The loss wasn’t just physical; he explained how the setback affected him emotionally, psychologically, and spiritually.

“I was literally screaming out for help,” he said.

Realizing he needed professional support, he made the difficult decision to pause the renovation and enter a rehab program.

Childhood Trauma and the Dream Home Connection

Bromstad connected the home project to deeper personal experiences.

Growing up as a closeted queer man, he faced bullying and depression, and he described his idealized vision of a childhood home as a form of self-preservation.

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“For me to idealize my childhood was a complete defense mechanism that was beautiful; it saved me,” he explained.

The renovation, he revealed, was as much about healing past wounds as building a physical space.

Embracing Sobriety and Presence

Bromstad has been open about his journey to sobriety, celebrating his 50th birthday in 2023 with an Instagram post reflecting on his new outlook.

“Feels good to be present, sober, and living the life I was intended to live,” he wrote, earning support and admiration from fans who praised his courage and honesty.

Fan Reactions Reflect Empathy and Support

Viewers responded to Bromstad’s story with messages of care and encouragement.

Comments poured in acknowledging his bravery and the resonance of his story.

Fans wrote about the heartbreak of seeing him struggle, while also celebrating his recovery and the light he brings into the lives of others.

The Importance of Sharing the Full Story

In interviews, Bromstad emphasized why he chose to speak openly about his struggles.

“I only allowed people to see the bright and shiny parts of me because that was all I was willing to accept from myself,” he said.

By acknowledging the darkness alongside the bright moments, he hoped to offer a fuller, more authentic picture of life and recovery.

A Longstanding HGTV Career

Bromstad has been a familiar face on HGTV since 2015, fronting My Lottery Dream Home, which is now in its 19th season.

Despite his personal challenges, he continues to connect with audiences, sharing not only his design expertise but also a story of resilience, honesty, and the courage to ask for help.

Turning Struggles Into a Source of Strength

Bromstad’s story is a reminder that even amid fame and success, vulnerability and healing are essential.

By confronting his personal challenges publicly, he has inspired fans to acknowledge their own struggles while celebrating the light that can emerge from the darkest times.