Long-troubled comedian Artie Lange is reportedly sobering up in a New Jersey jail after testing positive for cocaine. According to his legal team, he’s scheduled to enter into a long-term treatment program any day.
What Happened to Comedian Artie Lange?
Posts from “Team Lange” on his Twitter account explain that Lange entered the Essex County Correctional Facility on January 30. This comes less than two months after he tested positive for several substances—cocaine and amphetamines—during a probation violation hearing in December 2018. According to his lawyer, Frank Arleo, Artie could be under lock-up until February 6 until he’s eventually transferred into a long-term inpatient substance abuse program.
Artie Lange Enters Rehab, Avoids Jail
News of Lange’s recent trouble broke on January 30, 2019, when “Team Lange” posted that Artie would be “undergoing a long-term treatment program”, wrapping up the post with “it’s time”. There seemed to be some confusion, however, when Lange’s lawyer suggested he may have been arrested for the violation. “Team Lange” once again took to Twitter on January 31 to clarify, “Artie was not arrested and sent to jail… they are holding him a few days to sober up before transferring him to a long-term treatment facility”. It appears he was booked into Essex County Jail but not sentenced while waiting for his next hearing on February 6.
Artie’s lawyer Frank Arleo stated that his client knows “he shouldn’t have tested dirty, but he did. He knew what was going to happen”. He also added that his top concern is “finding a bed at an inpatient facility” for his client.
Artie Lange’s Struggle With Sobriety
Mounting legal trouble and failed attempts at maintaining sobriety are nothing new for Lange. During Lange’s December 2018 court appearance for a 2017 probation violation, he tested positive for cocaine, amphetamines, benzodiazepines, as well as Suboxone. Artie’s lawyer claimed that his client had legal prescriptions for the benzodiazepines and amphetamines. It was also previously known to the courts that he was using Suboxone to treat his opioid dependence. However, the cocaine use was an indefensible violation of his probation terms.
Luckily for Artie, the judge recommended that his attorney apply to have him enter into drug court, a strict, state-run rehabilitation program. The presiding judge also imposed that Lange complete his existing community service obligations in addition to his current four years of probation.
Against the advice of his attorney, Lange insisted on making a final statement to the courts. “I wouldn’t be arrogant enough to come in here after using cocaine for two days, it’s in my system and it shouldn’t be.”
Can Drug Court Programs Help People Like Artie?
Drug court programs, like the one suggested by the judge in Artie’s case, are designed specifically for individuals struggling with addiction. They provide a structured and supportive environment for participants to receive counseling and therapy while also fulfilling their legal obligations.
But even if you haven’t faced legal repercussions yet, seeking help for your addiction is still crucial. It’s important to understand that addiction is a disease and should be treated as such. Just like any other medical condition, it requires professional treatment and ongoing support.
Treatment options for drug abuse vary, but often include a combination of therapy, medication, and support groups. Therapy can help you address the underlying issues that may have led to your substance use, while medication can assist with managing withdrawal symptoms or cravings.
Understanding When It’s Time To Get Help
Like Artie Lange, many people struggle with addiction and have a difficult time admitting that they need help. It can be hard to accept that you have a problem, especially when it comes to something as serious as drug abuse.
However, recognizing and acknowledging the need for help is the first step towards recovery. If you find yourself in a situation like Artie’s, where your substance use has led to legal consequences, it may be time to seek professional treatment.
Royal Life Centers at Chapter 5 offers comprehensive inpatient treatment for men, and Royal Life Center’s addiction treatment network provides a whole continuum of care to help you get and stay sober. If you are ready to get help for addiction, or have questions about us or rehab in general, reach out. Our admissions team is available 24/7 to take your call. Because We Care.
