# Artie Lange Suicide Attempt **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [January 7, 2010, 2:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/artie-lange-suicide-attempt/524026 "2010-01-07T14:23:16Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Hazle\_Weatherfield](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/e9bcb4/32.png) [@Hazle\_Weatherfield](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hazle_Weatherfield)\ **Post date:** [January 7, 2010, 10:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/artie-lange-suicide-attempt/524026/21 "2010-01-07T22:56:09Z")
> [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](#): > > Reading that book is what made me conclude he’s an out-of-control addict with little to no insight into the need for taking responsibility for his getting well. Probably, but I appreciated the view into his life. I feel terrible for his mother. ---
**Author:** ![Southern\_Yankee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/southern_yankee/32/2800_2.png) [@Southern\_Yankee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Southern_Yankee)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2010, 12:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/artie-lange-suicide-attempt/524026/22 "2010-01-08T00:32:13Z")
> [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](#): > > Reading that book is what made me conclude he’s an out-of-control addict with little to no insight into the need for taking responsibility for his getting well. For awhile he spoke of taking Subutex (sp?) but who knows if he was really taking it, or if it was helping. ---
**Author:** ![Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/qadgop_the_mercotan/32/83_2.png) [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qadgop_the_Mercotan)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2010, 1:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/artie-lange-suicide-attempt/524026/23 "2010-01-08T01:01:12Z")
> [@Southern\_Yankee](#): > > For awhile he spoke of taking Subutex (sp?) but who knows if he was really taking it, or if it was helping. He was abusing the hell out of subutex (buprenorphine), taking it inappropriately, and on occasion sending himself into severe withdrawal by taking it while he was taking heroin, IIRC. Subutex is a great medication for detoxing off of opiates, when used properly. It can even be used to treat opiate addiction (as in subutex maintenance), but the person needs to stay off other opiates while taking subutex. ---
**Author:** ![Mahaloth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mahaloth/32/1079_2.png) [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2010, 1:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/artie-lange-suicide-attempt/524026/24 "2010-01-08T01:50:54Z")
Hmmm…sad to hear but not totally surprising. Doesn’t he believe his Father killed himself to avoid living with a disability? Perhaps Artie is trying to end his life because he can’t climb out of drugs, alcohol, and over-eating. Last time I saw him on Conan, he was huge, even for him. ---
**Author:** ![MPB\_in\_Salt\_Lake](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/c0e974/32.png) [@MPB\_in\_Salt\_Lake](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MPB_in_Salt_Lake)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2010, 2:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/artie-lange-suicide-attempt/524026/25 "2010-01-08T02:01:07Z")
I dont know too much about him, but a large part of his material seems to be centered on booze and drugs. If he sobers up, I wonder if he is worried that he won’t be funny anymore. (this is a serious post BTW) I do hope he gets his head together, we need all the laughs we can get these days… ---
**Author:** ![Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/qadgop_the_mercotan/32/83_2.png) [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qadgop_the_Mercotan)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2010, 2:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/artie-lange-suicide-attempt/524026/26 "2010-01-08T02:02:55Z")
> [@Mahaloth](#): > > Doesn’t he believe his Father killed himself to avoid living with a disability? Perhaps Artie is trying to end his life because he can’t climb out of drugs, alcohol, and over-eating. Suicides and suicide attempts are common in uncontrolled addictions. And it’s usually the uncontrolled addiction that is responsible for the depression and suicidal thinking. Until the addiction is in remission, it’s unlikely the depression can be successfully treated. Many depressions resolve fairly rapidly (within a few months) once the drugs are out of the system. ---
**Author:** ![EllisDee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ellisdee/32/4531_2.png) [@EllisDee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EllisDee)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2010, 6:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/artie-lange-suicide-attempt/524026/27 "2010-01-08T06:01:11Z")
> [@Mahaloth](#): > > Doesn’t he believe his Father killed himself to avoid living with a disability? No, he lived with the disability, though he almost certainly would rather not have. > [@](#): > > Last time I saw him on Conan, he was huge, even for him. He lost a bunch of weight since then. Maybe 40-50 pounds. ---
**Author:** ![Steampunk\_Willie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/f6c823/32.png) [@Steampunk\_Willie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Steampunk_Willie)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2010, 7:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/artie-lange-suicide-attempt/524026/28 "2010-01-08T07:06:49Z")
> [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](#): > > Maybe he’ll eventually hit a a low enough bottom to inspire him to make useful changes. > > The trouble is, such low bottoms are often fatal. :eek: If stabbing yourself NINE times is not rock bottom than I not quite sure what is. ---
**Author:** ![garygnu](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/garygnu/32/2924_2.png) [@garygnu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/garygnu)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2010, 7:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/artie-lange-suicide-attempt/524026/29 "2010-01-08T07:24:05Z")
I hope he turns out OK, mainly because I decided not to put him in my Death Pool lost, despite seeing him come up often on a celebrity druggie/drunko blog I used for research. ---
**Author:** ![yojimbo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/yojimbo/32/232_2.png) [@yojimbo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yojimbo)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2010, 5:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/artie-lange-suicide-attempt/524026/30 "2010-01-08T17:57:10Z")
> [@Mr\_Buttons](#): > > I haven’t heard Stern since he went over to satellite. About 4-5 years ago though, when KC mysteriously disappeared from the show (gambling problem + depression if I remember right), Howard pretty much discouraged callers from bringing up questions and told everyone to leave him alone to deal w/ his problems. > > Even Stern has enough class not to dog his own staff/crew when they’re already dealing w/ their own BIG problems. Yeah, I felt really bad when listening to Stern last night and hearing him talk about his feelings. I regret even thinking what I did never mind posting it. > [@](#): > > I would love to know who the scumbag is who releases that to the press, because this is a private matter," Stern said. "I don’t know what to say. I work with Artie, I love Artie. Everyone has their demons, including myself, but he’s wrestling with some serious stuff … When I heard the news it was too much to bear > > …snip… > > I’ve always tried to maintain my loyalty to Artie, and at times it’s very trying, because Artie has had some tough times and people would even come to me and say, ‘Its not fair, he’s not showing up for work.’ It’s because of his great talent and my affection for him that I would [accept that] – he had a real problem [http://www.popeater.com/2010/01/08/howard-stern-artie-lange-suicide-attempt/](http://www.popeater.com/2010/01/08/howard-stern-artie-lange-suicide-attempt/) Fair play Howard. ---
**Author:** ![Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/qadgop_the_mercotan/32/83_2.png) [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qadgop_the_Mercotan)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2010, 6:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/artie-lange-suicide-attempt/524026/31 "2010-01-08T18:38:26Z")
Y’know, it’s frequently fatal for alcoholics to have people make exceptions and excuses for them. Such actions tend to minimize the impact of their behavior on themselves and others. Tough love usually applies to addicts/alcoholics, too. Its a pity his medical confidentiality was breached, for sure. But it’s hardly surprising, given the level of self-publicity he gave to all his previous behaviors. ---
**Author:** ![Tom\_Tildrum](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e95f7d/32.png) [@Tom\_Tildrum](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tom_Tildrum)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2010, 6:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/artie-lange-suicide-attempt/524026/32 "2010-01-08T18:51:12Z")
> [@Mr\_Buttons](#): > > Even Stern has enough class not to dog his own staff/crew when they’re already dealing w/ their own BIG problems. Let’s look back: Made fun of the Air Florida crash the day after it happened. Mused about why the Columbine killers didn’t rape the “good-looking girls” among their victims, the day after the shootings. Played gunshots over Selena’s music the day before her funeral. Whatever may be motivating him, it’s not class. > [@MPB\_in\_Salt\_Lake](#): > > Too Fat To Kill Yourself? And his forthcoming book, “Stab This, Not That!” In all seriousness, now that he’s in a hospital bed and presumably somewhat detoxed, hopefully those who care for him and persuade him that it’s time to seek help. ---
**Author:** ![ProfessorX](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ce7236/32.png) [@ProfessorX](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ProfessorX)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2010, 8:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/artie-lange-suicide-attempt/524026/33 "2010-01-08T20:39:28Z")
Poor Artie, he’s a funny guy but he has really been stuck in some tough times as of late. ---
**Author:** ![Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/qadgop_the_mercotan/32/83_2.png) [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qadgop_the_Mercotan)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2010, 8:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/artie-lange-suicide-attempt/524026/34 "2010-01-08T20:46:09Z")
> [@ProfessorX](#): > > Poor Artie, he’s a funny guy but he has really been stuck in some tough times as of late. Seems like they’re all of his own making, frankly. ---
**Author:** ![Jack\_Batty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jack_batty/32/3201_2.png) [@Jack\_Batty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jack_Batty)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2010, 2:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/artie-lange-suicide-attempt/524026/35 "2010-01-09T02:35:46Z")
> [@Steampunk\_Willie](#): > > :eek: If stabbing yourself NINE times is not rock bottom than I not quite sure what is. Stabbing yourself ten times? ---
**Author:** ![Hazle\_Weatherfield](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/e9bcb4/32.png) [@Hazle\_Weatherfield](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hazle_Weatherfield)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2010, 5:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/artie-lange-suicide-attempt/524026/36 "2010-01-09T05:03:08Z")
> [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](#): > > Seems like they’re all of his own making, frankly. My troubles are mostly of my own making, as well; makes it much harder to take than if they were all caused by someone/thing else. ---
**Author:** ![Serenata67](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/serenata67/32/10646_2.png) [@Serenata67](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Serenata67)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2010, 1:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/artie-lange-suicide-attempt/524026/37 "2010-01-09T13:30:42Z")
> [@Hazle\_Weatherfield](#): > > My troubles are mostly of my own making, as well; makes it much harder to take than if they were all caused by someone/thing else. And it’ll be harder for him to admit he needs help. Most people don’t want to take fault for their own shortcomings, so they won’t admit they have short comings. If he doesn’t want to admit he has a drug/alcohol problem, he won’t … and things will just keep getting worse. It’s Dirty Work dealing with your own personal demons, but sometimes it has to be done. ---
**Author:** ![Mahaloth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mahaloth/32/1079_2.png) [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2010, 3:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/artie-lange-suicide-attempt/524026/38 "2010-01-09T15:50:08Z")
Have Howard or his staff staged an intervention before? ---
**Author:** ![Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/qadgop_the_mercotan/32/83_2.png) [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qadgop_the_Mercotan)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2010, 4:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/artie-lange-suicide-attempt/524026/39 "2010-01-09T16:08:21Z")
> [@Mahaloth](#): > > Have Howard or his staff staged an intervention before? I think they’re too entertained and fascinated by this slow-moving, recurring train wreck to take actual positive action. A positive action from Howard would be to tell Artie that unless he successfully completes a long-term rehab (and not his usual brief detoxes which he then skips out on after a couple of days), staying in compliance with his physician’s directions and aftercare program, he won’t have a job to come back to. ---
**Author:** ![EllisDee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ellisdee/32/4531_2.png) [@EllisDee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EllisDee)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2010, 4:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/artie-lange-suicide-attempt/524026/40 "2010-01-09T16:46:39Z")
Yeah, because nothing helps an addict more than being unemployed. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/artie-lange-suicide-attempt/524026.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/artie-lange-suicide-attempt/524026.md?page=3)