Comedian Artie Lange bypassed a chance to crack jokes in order to focus on more serious matters.

The Howard Stern sidekick checked into an "intensive" outpatient rehab program on Sunday, Aug. 3 instead of attending the Comedy Central roast for pal Bob Saget, confirms spokesperson Lewis Kay.

The comedian also canceled his stand-up shows over the weekend.

Lange, 40, has struggled with drugs, a drinking problem and his weight for a long time, even prompting fans to predict his early demise.

Lange had and on-air argument, which turned physical, with his personal assistant Teddy in April, resulting in his voluntary resignation from Stern's Sirius Satellite Radio show. He was allowed back to the show however with the warning that he'd be fired if another similar incident occurred.

The comedian plans to return to the show when it returns from hiatus later this month.

Lange is also one of the original castmembers of "MADtv" and appeared on FX's "Rescue Me."