At the end of the day

I honestly cannot get past the need for drug addiction while recording and touring.  

Abuse did not end with Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, and Jimmy Page.  Andy Taylor of Duran Duran took to drug addiction for some time...of course, he too is a guitarist.

Jimi Hendrix passed away due to barbiturate asphyxia.  Barbiturates are depressants that can lead to mild sedation or death.  Asphyxia is deficient supply of oxygen that causes abnormal breathing or choking.  

Eric Clapton, as discussed in the Honor Eric Clapton post, realized his addiction to help recovering substance abusers.

And then there is Jimmy Page, who refused to overcome his heroin and cocaine abuse and addiction with reasons justified to only him.

Question -
Why is drug addiction so prevalent in the music industry?  Woodstock is a major example of drug use for both 1960's hippies and musicians.  Hippies took to drugs as a means of rebellion and experiencing the high of drugs.  Was music more enjoyable when the central nervous system was not clear and coherent?

The ultimate answer -
"Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds" - The Beatles, 1967
Inspired by an LSD trip John Lennon experienced
Psychedelic genre
(Wikipedia)

Reasons will forever remain a mystery to me.