Andy Dick: I'm trying to grow up

NEW YORK, Dec. 16 (UPI) -- Troubled U.S. comedian Andy Dick says he has stopped using drugs, is seeing a therapist and is trying to grow up.

The former "NewsRadio" and "Less than Perfect" star has been more famous in recent years for his substance abuse and brushes with the law than for his once-bright career.

Appearing on Friday's edition of "The View," dressed in a suit, Dick talked about how he finally decided to sober up after his friends stopped staging interventions for him.

"Nobody was there to bring me back and sit me down and say, 'Andy, I think it's time to slow down -- again,'" Dick explained. "Who knows why I do what I do and I did what I did, but it was the first time I said, 'I'm about to be 46 years old; I need to stop and work a hardcore program.' I'm in therapy twice a week and I get drug-tested per my request, not by law. I'm trying to grow up."

Dick said he is taking the drug tests to show people he isn't using anymore.

"I have the paperwork to prove it," he joked.

Dick also confirmed he has been bunking down in a shed, albeit a furnished one with a flat-screen TV, behind the house where his ex-girlfriend and their children live.

"I'm kind of in the doghouse and I put myself there," he said.

"Good," replied "View" co-host Whoopi Goldberg, who is also a stand-up comedian and actress.

"Andy, you know, a lot of us have watched you walk off the edge of cliffs time and time and time again. Always waiting to hear that really bad news that none of us wants to hear about you. And if it takes you living in a damn shed to save your life, I'm thrilled," Goldberg told him.

"Thank you. I agree with you," Dick said. "I'm at a place where I cuddle up in my bed and I giggle because I'm alive."