Drugs destroyed his life, and it wasn't glorious. I'm not sure what else there is to say
But it cuts both ways. There's a phrase "high-functioning alcoholic", meaning someone who still holds down a job, wears respectable clothes and all that. I grew up with a drunk: "high-functioning alcoholic" just means the worms are well concealed inside the can.
Especially at high doses for long periods of time, which is how Hunter S. Thompson got his name.
We're all monkeys on a space rock. I think it's good we have such variety.
He just committed suicide.
And if you don’t believe he did I’m not sure that makes a case for it working out okay for him either.