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The tragic saga of Artie Lange took another sad turn today when the troubled comic was arrested after violating his probation by failing a court-ordered drug test.

According to TMZ, Lange tested positive for cocaine and morphine and was taken into custody following a court appearance in Essex County, New Jersey on Wednesday afternoon.

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Lange’s long battle with substance abuse has been well documented, and sadly, his brushes with the law have become more frequent in recent years.

In 2017, Lange pled guilty to heroin possession, and it seems he’s been caught in a downward spiral ever since.

In December of 2018, Lange’s fans and loved ones experienced a glimmer of hope when the 50-year-old announced that he had completed in-patient rehab and entered a long-term outpatient treatment program.

Artie Lange Pic
(Getty)

The comic even vowed to use his talents to help others by doing one show a month for which all proceeds would go to toward helping a fellow addict attend rehab.

"Guys I will tweet about this once. Today in court they drug tested me," a hopeful Lange tweeted on December 14.

"For the last decade or more they’d have found both Heroin and Cocaine.  With the help of in my eyes a miracle legal medication called Suboxen I tested negative for Heroin. I haven’t used Heroin in 41 days…"

Artie Lange Image
(Getty)

Unfortunately, that optimism proved to be short-lived.

Lange’s reps confirmed last night that the comic has been forced to cancel his upcoming shows following a bad day in court.

"Excuse any show advertisements.. starting today, Artie will be undergoing a long term treatment program, he loves and respects his fans," read a tweet from Lange’s account.

"Updates coming soon.. and it’s time – TeamLange"

Artie Lange Photo
(Getty)

Today, the account tweeted that Lange is being held without bail, but adds that that’s not necessarily a bad thing:

"The comments made by Arties lawyer have been taken out of context.. Artie was not arrested and sent to jail," the tweet read.

"They are holding him a few days to sober up before transferring him to a long term treatment facility, Artie needs us to be with him, not against him- TeamLange"

As many have pointed out, the claim that Lange has not been sent to jail is somewhat meaningless, as he’s sure to be sent to a holding center once he’s fully detoxed.

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Back in June of 2018, Lange predicted that drug court and four years of probation may prove to be too much for him:

"The judge was very fair! But 4 yrs probation is a long time. I am gonna try my best," Lange tweeted.

"If I end up in jail for yrs  let my life be a lesson to you kids battling Heroin. I had everything! And more. I traded it for powder. Don’t make that mistake. Ur better than that.  & I love u!!"

We join millions of fans in wishing Artie all the best in his recovery.