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Following comedian Andy Dick’s recent public collapse in Hollywood, addiction specialist Dr. Drew Pinsky shared serious concerns for the actor’s survival.
TMZ reported that the comedian appeared to suffer an overdose this week.
Dr. Drew, who has worked with Dick for years on his substance abuse struggles, stated he and those close to the star are "scared to death."
The medical expert described addiction as a progressive, life-threatening illness that "ends in death."
He emphasized the seriousness of Dick’s situation, given the comedian's long and very public history with drugs and alcohol.
Dr. Drew clarified that while the situation is dire, hope is not lost. He said that he has seen seemingly hopeless cases turn around miraculously.
He pointed out, however, that the power to change must come from Dick himself. Recovery requires the individual to commit to sobriety and "look at himself in the mirror."
He noted that Dick has achieved sobriety before, but sustained recovery is only possible when a person truly welcomes it.
Motivation is the critical factor. Dr. Drew explained that sometimes an external force, such as a major arrest or a near-fatal health scare, forces an individual into the necessary commitment.
Regarding the recent incident, Dick reportedly told TMZ that he used crack cocaine before a friend administered Narcan, an overdose reversal medication.
Dick joked that he uses "a little crack every now and then" and maintained that he will not go to rehab.
Dr. Drew, however, raised questions about the true cause of the collapse.
He noted that Andy Dick is a known heavy drinker, with close sources stating he sometimes drinks over a fifth of vodka daily.
The doctor suggested Dick might have passed out from severe alcohol intoxication rather than a cocaine overdose.
He also conceded that the possibility exists that Dick received cocaine laced with a potent opioid, such as fentanyl.
Regardless of the exact substance involved, Dr. Drew stressed that the underlying disease of addiction puts the comedian's life at high risk.
Dr. Drew concluded his comments by expressing his hope that Andy Dick finds the strength to recover soon.
