Overload, sorry to hear about your friend.
Being a musician, professional since age 15, I've seen a lot in my short time on the planet. I've seen the worst ghettos of Chicago, seen deals go sour in bars and fights happen due to people just misinterpreting one another because they had so much booze in them, their brains were practically swimming. About two months ago, I was done with a gig up North and waiting to be paid. I'm talking to a girl and I hear sort of a slap. Then I hear a loud "CRACK!" and turn around. I see this skinny little guy holding his nose and a bigger biker guy holding his hand up laughing, saying "See, don't F*** with me kid." Smiling the whole time. The slap was the runt hitting the biker playfully, but he misinterpreted it due to all the booze and whatever else he was under the influence on (the girl I was talking to was a local and claimed the guy is a big fan of LSD).
Anyway, I've got a few friends that are killing themselves under different situations. First guy, let's called him "Yub-Yub." He is a big Star Wars fan, and when he heard the ewoks saying that, he would always do it to emulate them, so the name stuck.
I've known him for 14 years, and he was one of the first people I shared the stage with. He's been addicted to coke for close to 30 years now, maybe more. Gone off, cleaned up numerous times. One time, he was fired from his job, the union got the job back for him, ordered the workplace to pay for the rehab upon him choosing that option and he was given paid leave! To top that off, he lives in a house his mother owns, so no rent, just bills and his habit(s). The night he got out of rehab (for a month), he went out on a gig and got high. THE SAME NIGHT. I've been on gigs with him when he didn't show up because he OD'd and was in the hospital. That only happened once. But now his game is to show up late with an excuse, because he's out coppin'.
Another friend, most talented guitar player I've ever known, comes to my house to clean up. He started this about 5 years ago. Just stay a night or two, allow him to not get high and then leave. Guy plays anything, nothing short of amazing. Over the years, the length of stays vary. The last time he was here a week and a half, left for three hours and then came back instantly. He'd gone home comfortable that he could stay clean. But once home, he saw the remains of his last hit (he'd gotten off smack to shoot coke, claiming it's easier to get off of), and tried to cook it up. The landlord knocked on his door, and he made a movie-like escape back to our house.
Every time, every single damn time, the reason he falls off the wagon is women. Occasionally it's pressures of life- be it bills, or lack of gigs etc... Women is the most concerning factor though. Always ends up with a girl who answers when asked "what do you want to do?" and she replies 'Let's get high!' He refuses, but eventually his mental state falters, and he's back at it again. He is no longer allowed at our house, seeing as it's been five years- meaning patterns are now established that he can't get it together. Plus he was picked up breaking into cars (and let go due to lack of evidence), so he's getting worse.
The last friend, same problem as the above guy- women. One in particular, his wife. He's drinking himself to death. His internal organs are shutting down. He's got colitis. He plays out of tune with the band, if he remembers his parts. He's a great friend, but first and foremost, he's got to get rid of his wife. I've seen her start a mild bout with the DT's after an hour long ride to the gig, and not having any booze. Shaking, and the worst lying for excuses you've ever heard in your life.
The list goes on and on, and unforetunately, I think being as young as I am and hanging out in the crowds I do, the list will only continue to get longer.
I'm lucky I never got into anything at all.