A judge ordered Artie Lange to apply for an “intensive” Drug Court program on Friday, December 14 after he tested positive twice for cocaine, thus failing the terms of his probation. Now, in an exclusive interview with RadarOnline.com, Lange admits to relapsing on cocaine last week, but insists he’s clean from the “living hell” of heroin addiction.
“The judge is very compassionate,” Lange, 50, said of Judge Nancy Sivilli‘s decision to keep him away from jail. “Heroin plagued me for a long time and the test today proved that it was no longer a part of my life. That was a living hell. ”
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“And now that it’s out of my life, I can deal with anything,” he continued.
As Radar exclusively reported, Lange was forced to take a drug test during his court hearing. An hour later, the results came in — he had tested positive for cocaine, amphetamines and benzodiazepines.
While the judge acknowledged he had prescriptions for the latter two drugs, the prosecutor claimed the cocaine result was a probation violation. But Lange told Radar that he hasn’t touched cocaine in 10 days.
“10 days ago I did cocaine,” he admitted. “It can stay in your system for two weeks. I had to touch the flame because I’m an addict to see what would happen. It should’ve been out today.”
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“I wouldn’t be arrogant to disrespect the court and do that. So I know now I can keep that out of my life too. With heroin out of my life, I’m a new man. I’m ready for anything. And I think I can help a lot of people who are struggling with this.”
Lange explained that he wanted to give back to his community and help kids who are struggling with the same addiction.
“I hope other people get the same treatment,” Lange said. “Because if they’re just a user, I’m not hurting anyone. I’m a drug addict. So what can I say? I can help a lot of people and I will. I’m going to give… and I will do a show every month and make sure kids get to rehab.”
Lange is expected to return to court after the New Year, on January 11, 2018. If Lange is not accepted into the Drug Court program, the judge explained he would be facing prison time.
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