Dean McDermott credits ‘best ex-wife’ Tori Spelling with saving his life in addiction battle

Dean McDermott says his ex-wife, Tori Spelling, helped him enter treatment for addiction, which he describes as a turning point after years of substance use and repeated attempts to recover. Their relationship has improved since their divorce, and he says they co-parent well and share meals with their children.

McDermott, 59, now works as a drug and alcohol counsellor and supports the recovery organisation Cure Addiction Now. He credits a 12-step programme, therapy and breathwork with helping him maintain sobriety, while stressing that supporting others does not replace his own recovery. He also advises parents to offer love and support while setting firm boundaries, and warns that fentanyl makes relapse especially dangerous.