Dean McDermott has openly discussed the harrowing details of his battle with addiction, reflecting on his journey to sobriety during Cure Addiction Now’s 3rd Annual Fundraising Evening held in Beverly Hills, California, on 9 November. At the event, which aimed to raise funds for research into substance use disorders, the 59-year-old actor shared that he has been sober for three years and four months.
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Speaking to reporters on the red carpet prior to his speech, McDermott revealed the darkest moments of his addiction. He recounted how his struggles began at a young age, highlighting his experiences with “blackout drinking” as a means of coping with the loss of his mother. His addiction escalated when he began using cocaine at the age of 19, a decision that set the stage for further challenges in his life.
In his address during the fundraising event, McDermott candidly admitted that the last decade of his addiction was marked by opiate use, a phase that pushed him deeper into despair. “I was a functioning addict. Nobody knew,” he admitted. Despite maintaining a successful career and a loving family, McDermott’s substance abuse continued to spiral, affecting every aspect of his life.
The actor, who shares five children with his ex-wife, Tori Spelling, and has a son, Jack, from a previous marriage, spoke about the consequences of his addiction, which he argued was self-destructive. “I was destroying everything in my life,” he stated, clearly reflecting on the damage he inflicted on both personal and familial relationships.
The tipping point for McDermott came when his life reached a crisis. He recounted feelings of hopelessness that led him to contemplate suicide. “I was so lost and hopeless that I thought the best thing to do would be to exit this planet,” he said, revealing the intensity of his despair. This moment of desperation, which included a suicide attempt, underscored the profound impact addiction can have on individuals and their families.
Fortunately, McDermott found a path to recovery through treatment, transforming his life completely. Today, he serves as a drug and alcohol counsellor, reflecting on his journey with a sense of gratitude. “I struggled for 43 years; 30 of those years I tried to get clean, and boy, I wish there was another way,” he reflected. He acknowledged the rarity of his experience, noting that many addicts do not have similar opportunities to recover and assist others.
In his current role, McDermott finds his work immensely fulfilling. He has spoken about the balance of his responsibilities as a drug and alcohol counsellor alongside pursuing acting roles. “That really keeps me happy, helping other addicts,” he said, indicating that his mission to share his experience and support those still battling addiction feels less like a job and more like a calling.
As he continues to dedicate his life to recovery and helping others, McDermott’s journey stands as a reminder of the potential for hope and change. His candid discussions about addiction aim to inspire others facing similar struggles.
For those in need of support, numerous resources are available. If you or someone you know is grappling with mental health or substance use issues, organisations such as the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offer help. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is also available, providing support around the clock for anyone in distress.
McDermott’s story, while deeply personal, shines a light on the ongoing issue of addiction and the resilience required to overcome it. As he embarks on this new chapter of his life, he remains committed to advocating for recovery and supporting others on their journeys.
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