Terrible news. Why do so many celebrities, particularly rock stars and movie stars, succumb to this? What is it in the culture of these professions that brings on such death seeking behavior? Never understood it.
Just a guess but I imagine they're trying to re-create the high they get from performing
One of the things that makes a great actor or writer or songwriter or artist is the ability to tap into every human emotion time and time again. They're able to expose all of those things that most of us regular people try to suppress.
That's the driving force behind a great song or poem or acting performance. It also means these artists are more prone to drink or use drugs etc.
So that might explain LSD, pot, coke, etc. Doubt that anyone would say that drinking or doing heroin "expands the mind". Though I've never done heroin, so I don't know. Looks like they just nod off into a stupor - not the most creative place.
Heroin is the best, most overwhelmingly gratifying orgasm there is. "Expands the mind?" Sure, yes it does, but unfortunately everything after that experience becomes about getting it again. It gets in your kitchen and your ####ed. From a creative standpoint, yes, it is creative, but only on it's terms. But yeah, Bird, Ray, Miles, Jimi, Jerry...all junkies.