Actor Dean McDermott credited his former wife Tori Spelling with saving his life by helping him enter a treatment facility after years of struggling with addiction, seher.no reported.
McDermott reached the milestone of three years of sobriety in June 2026, according to seher.no. The 59-year-old actor opened up about his recovery in an interview with Page Six, highlighting the role Spelling played in his journey after their 17-year marriage ended.
“I couldn’t ask for a better ex-wife,” McDermott told Page Six, as reported by seher.no.
The actor struggled with addiction to alcohol, cocaine, and opiates for decades. He said that he attempted treatment multiple times before finally accepting that his previous methods were failing.
McDermott struggled with alcohol and family tension
McDermott recalled reaching a breaking point when his old habits no longer worked.
“You’re 56 years old and you’ve done it again. This is where you always end up. Your way of doing things didn’t work,” he thought to himself, according to seher.no.
In a 2023 interview with the Daily Mail, McDermott detailed how severe his alcohol consumption had become, noting that he drank large quantities of tequila every night while taking prescription medications. He acknowledged that his anger and frequent arguments during that period frightened both Spelling and their children.
Co-parenting after the divorce
McDermott and Spelling finalized their divorce in November 2025. Despite the end of their marriage, the two have established a stable dynamic focused on their five children.
McDermott said that he and Spelling continue to collaborate well regarding their children and regularly meet for family dinners. He emphasized that Spelling put his health and well-being ahead of her own needs during his darkest periods.
“Tori had so much love to give me. She just wanted me to be healthy and happy. She put my needs before her own. She loved me so much, and she never told me how much it affected her—even though I could see it on her,” McDermott told Page Six, according to seher.no.
Moving forward into addiction support work
Following his treatment, McDermott transitioned into helping others facing similar struggles. He utilizes a twelve-step program, therapy, and breathing exercises to maintain his sobriety.
McDermott now leads groups for individuals in rehabilitation. He regularly cautions others in recovery about the persistent danger of relapse.
“One relapse can be the last,” he warned, according to seher.no.
Frequently asked questions about Dean McDermott and Tori Spelling
When did Dean McDermott and Tori Spelling divorce?
The couple finalized their divorce in November 2025 after 17 years of marriage, as reported by seher.no.
How long has Dean McDermott been sober?
McDermott marked three years of sobriety in June 2026, according to seher.no.
How many children do Dean McDermott and Tori Spelling share?
The former couple shares five children together, whom they continue to co-parent.
What substances did McDermott struggle with?
McDermott has spoken openly about battling addictions to alcohol, cocaine, and opiates over the course of several decades.
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