HGTV presenter David Bromstad has candidly discussed turning to substances as a coping mechanism after a devastating storm ripped through his Florida property, forcing a complete rebuild.
The Storm That Sparked a Downward Spiral
In a preview clip from his upcoming one-hour television special, My Lottery Dream Home: David’s Happy Ending, shared with People magazine, Bromstad explained the profound emotional connection he had to his home. The damage was so severe that the property had to be stripped back to its bare studs to eradicate mould, a process he described as mirroring his internal turmoil. "Whatever happens to the house feels like it's happening to you deep within," the designer revealed.
He recounted the overwhelming stress of dealing with insurance claims, financial pressures, and the loss of his clear vision for the home. "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," Bromstad said.
Art as a Cover for Unhealthy Coping
As the renovation stalled, Bromstad busied himself with off-site projects he initially called "art." He now recognises this activity as a distraction from his deteriorating mental state. "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 admitted.
The situation escalated as his mind began to "go crazy." Bromstad stated, "I was starting to spiral. I got into some unhealthy behaviours and it's really easy to go there when you're under distress." He specifically addressed his use of substances, calling it "a real easy escape" from a stressful situation, and acknowledged, "I knew I was in trouble."
Finding Light in the Darkness
This is not the first time Bromstad has spoken about his struggles. In a separate interview with TV Insider, he noted, "This isn’t the first time art has saved my life." He emphasised that his creative talent remained a constant anchor during times of substance abuse and self-doubt.
The upcoming special, which airs on HGTV on 19 December at 9 p.m. ET, documents the four-year journey to rebuild his dream home, including a year-long break for a trip to Norway. Bromstad stressed the importance of sharing his full story, including the dark chapters. "I think it’s important for people to understand that I’m human, that I struggle," he said. "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."
In the United States, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration offers support and can be reached at 1-800-662-HELP.
