David Bromstad Opens Up About ‘Using Substances,’ Coping After Home Was Destroyed: ‘I Was in Trouble’ (Exclusive)
- - David Bromstad Opens Up About ‘Using Substances,’ Coping After Home Was Destroyed: ‘I Was in Trouble’ (Exclusive)
Marina WattsDecember 18, 2025 at 10:00 PM
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David Bromstad opens up about "using substances" in an exclusive clip from My Lottery Dream Home: David’s Happy Ending
The HGTV star's home was destroyed by a storm in the middle of construction, leaving him to start over
As a result, he "got into some unhealthy behaviors," he says
Bromstad previously mentioned his sobriety in an August 2023 Instagram post
David Bromstad is opening up about the personal toll building — and then rebuilding — his home took on him.
In an exclusive clip from My Lottery Dream Home: David’s Happy Ending, above, the HGTV star speaks candidly about "using substances" after a massive storm destroyed his home and had him essentially starting the renovation from scratch.
Bromstad, 52, says that he is "emotionally attached" to the house, and "whatever happens to the house feels like it's happening to you deep within." The storm led to the designer demoing the home down to the studs to get rid of any mold.
David Bromstad in 'My Lottery Dream Home: David’s Happy Ending'
"With all of the drama, the house, the stress, insurance claims, needing money — I just had to keep busy. My vision for the house was no longer clear. Everything was in chaos," he says.
While some things were in a holding pattern, he focused on preparing as many elements as possible for the house off site. "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 says his "mind was going crazy" as the stress grew: "I was starting to spiral. I got into some unhealthy behaviors and it's really easy to go there when you're under distress."
"Using substances has been...it's a real easy escape to take yourself out of a stressful situation," Bromstad says. "I knew I was in trouble."
The one-hour special, My Lottery Dream Home: David’s Happy Ending focuses on the four-year journey of renovating his Florida home to become his personal fairytale-style retreat.
However, the emotionally taxing project led Bromstad to take a year-long break during construction, which included a restorative trip to his ancestral homeland: Norway.
In August 2023, Bromstad wrote about sobriety in an Instagram post while recounting his symbolic hike on Reinenbringen.
"The dread turned into accomplishment which in turned made my cry," he said about reaching the mountain's peak.
David Bromstad in 'My Lottery Dream Home: David’s Happy Ending'
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"I sat and let the tears roll down my face and felt that beautiful emotion. Letting go of [past] mistakes and regrets. Letting these moments pass thru me has given me an intense clarity. Building foundations! Feels good to be present, sober and living the life I was intended to live."
In a recent interview with TV Insider, Bromstad shared how his passions have always guided him in dark times. "This isn’t the first time art has saved my life," he said. "Through substance abuse and not being kind to myself, the one thing that’s always remained secure and steady has been my creative talent."
My Lottery Dream Home: David’s Happy Ending premieres on Friday, Dec. 19 at 9 p.m. ET.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, please contact the SAMHSA helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.
on People
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
