Dr. Drew says he is "scared" for Andy Dick following his apparent overdose this week -- but says not all hope is gone ... and Andy simply needs to be ready for change.

Check out our clip -- TMZ caught up with the famous doc after we broke the news of what appeared to be Andy overdosing on the street in Hollywood a few days back ... after which he told us he doesn't plan to enter rehab .

Dr. Drew has a long history with the famous comedian and has helped him get treatment several times for his substance abuse struggles, and tells us he and Andy's loved ones are scared "to death" about his situation, adding ... "This is a life-threatening illness. It's a progressive illness that ends in death." Play video content

But, Dr. Drew doesn't feel Andy is a lost cause. He says he's

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