Dean McDermott Spent Thanksgiving at Sober Living House: I’m Thankful for My Kids!

Shortly before Thanksgiving, Dean McDermott opened up about how he terrified his family and alienated Tori Spelling.

He explained this his surprise breakup announcement in June, though true, came while he was under the influence.

Since that time, Dean spent a great deal of time in rehab. It may be too late to save his marriage. But it’s not too late to save himself.

In a Thanksgiving video, he expressed gratitude for his children. Dean spent the holiday at his sober living house.

Dean McDermott wears plaid and speaks to the camera from his car. The caption reads "Happy Thanksgiving!!"
Dean McDermott’s 2023 Thanksgiving message offered gratitude for his children. He spent the holiday at his sober living home. (Image Credit: Instagram)

For the Thanksgiving holiday, Dean McDermott took to Instagram to share a video tribute.

It also served as a bit of a life update.

In addition to sending everyone well wishes (and urging them to be safe), Dean mentioned that he is living in a sober living home.

Dean McDermott red carpet photo
Dean McDermott attends the FOX Summer TCA 2019 All-Star Party at Fox Studios on August 07, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo Credit: Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)

Dean is currently staying at the sober living residence, Freedom House.

That is also where he had his Thanksgiving. While that’s not what most people would consider ideal, he certainly knows that it could be so much worse.

Dean expressed his gratitude for his new sober friends and for his sponsor. Dean also gave a shoutout to his many children.

Stella McDermott, Tori Spelling, Liam McDermott, Dean McDermott and guests attend the 2023 iHeartRadio ALTer EGO at The Kia Forum on January 14, 2023. (Photo Credit: Momodu Mansaray/Getty Images)

On a random Saturday — June 17, to be precise — months of seemingly good, healthy times in Tori Spelling and Dean McDermott’s marriage came to a crashing halt.

He took to Instagram that morning to break the news.

After 18 years of marriage, it was over. Hours later, he deleted the post — but not the sentiment behind it.

An Instagram caption screenshot from June 2023 in which Dean McDermott announces the end f his marriage to Tori Spelling.
On June 17, 2023, Dean McDermott took to Instagram to announce his separation from Tori Spelling. That was very early on a Saturday morning. Hours later, he deleted the post. (Image Credit: Instagram)

As we noted, Dean has since admitted that the breakup message came as the result of him being under the influence.

In fact, one might say the same of the breakup itself.

Earlier this month, Dean opened up about how his alcohol abuse and his misuse of prescription medications had led to the downfall of his marriage.

Tori Spelling ad Dean McDermott pose with their five kids, Dean's son Jack, and more in 2022.
Tori Spelling, Dean McDermott, and kids Liam, Finn, Stella, Beau, Hattie, Jack, and Lola arrive at Disney On Ice presents Road Trip Adventures at Crypto.com Arena on December 09, 2022. (Photo Credit: Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images for Feld Entertainment)

Alarmingly, this impacted more than just his mental state or his marriage.

Dean admitted that he would have drunken rages that would “petrify” Tori and thier children.

He took full responsibility for his wrongdoings during the interview.

Tori Spelling with Dean McDermott
Tori Spelling and Dean McDermott attend the Much Love Animal Rescue 3rd Annual Spoken Woof Benefit at Microsoft Lounge on October 17, 2019. (Photo Credit: Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images)

“All Tori’s ever done to this day is want me to be happy and healthy,” Dean affirmed. “And I inflicted a lot of pain and damage on that woman.”

He hopes to one day make it right. That may be more easily said than done.

You can’t give your ex back the time that you took from her. And you can never give your kids a new, better childhood.

Dean McDermott smiles while wearing a sleeveless white shirt and a white ball cap. He is standing outdoors at the 33rd Annual Nautica Malibu Triathlon.
Dean McDermott attends the 33rd Annual Nautica Malibu Triathlon Presented By Bank Of America on September 15, 2019. (Photo Credit: Tasia Wells/Getty Images for Nautica)

Right now, Dean has a long journey ahead of him.

Becoming sober isn’t easy. But rehab and a sober living facility can help facilitate that process.

The real challenge, for most, is remaining that way. Those of us who have never faced struggles with substance abuse and addiction will likely never understand. But we don’t have to in order to show our support.

Dean McDermott Spent Thanksgiving at Sober Living House: I’m Thankful for My Kids! was originally published on The Hollywood Gossip.