Andy Dick: A History of Addiction and Legal Troubles
Comedian Andy Dick has long struggled with addiction, a battle that has unfolded publicly over the years. His candid discussions about his struggles have been a focal point of his life in the public eye.
Recent Incident
On Tuesday, Andy Dick, aged 59, was found unconscious on a street in Hollywood, as captured in a video by TMZ. Bystanders attempted to revive him, and Narcan, a medication used to counteract opioid overdoses, was administered while he lay on concrete steps in what appeared to be pajamas.
A representative from the Los Angeles Fire Department confirmed responding to an overdose call involving a 59-year-old male, but he was not hospitalized. Dick later confirmed to TMZ that he was alive and well.
Legal Issues Over the Years
Andy Dick’s legal troubles date back to 1999 when he pleaded guilty to felony cocaine possession and misdemeanor marijuana possession, as reported by CBS News. In 2007, he was removed from “Jimmy Kimmel Live” for inappropriate behavior towards Ivanka Trump. A year later, he faced charges of theft and sexual battery in California.
In 2011, Dick was arrested in West Virginia for first-degree sexual abuse but completed an alcohol addiction program, leading to the charges being dropped. His behavior continued to lead to legal issues, including a 2014 incident in Montauk and a 2016 role as a recovery center spokesperson.
Family and Personal Challenges
In March 2018, Dick’s ex-wife, Lena Sved, secured a restraining order against him due to incidents involving intoxication. He was also convicted of groping an Uber driver in 2018, serving a 90-day jail sentence.
Further legal troubles included a 2021 arrest for felony assault and a domestic violence charge. In May 2022, Dick was arrested for felony sexual battery, though the case was dismissed.
In October 2022, he faced burglary charges, which were later dismissed. Most recently, in January 2023, he was arrested in Lake Elsinore for public intoxication and not registering as a sex offender.
Struggles with Sobriety
Throughout his career, Andy Dick has been open about his addiction issues. In a 2012 interview with Dr. Drew Pinsky, he discussed his numerous rehab stints for cocaine and alcohol addiction.
He expressed the necessity of maintaining sobriety, stating, “If I’m not doing that work, I know I will drink again.”
In 2015, he shared a video expressing his commitment to recovery, stating he was doing “phenomenally” at the time.
Andy Dick also hosted a podcast titled “ADICKTED With Andy Dick,” which focused on his addiction journey. The podcast ran for 10 episodes in 2021.
Despite the challenges, Dick encourages perseverance, advising others to “keep going” and not give up on their recovery journey.
