As to the alcohol and drug use of prominent people in the public eye? Nothing new, and I doubt that it will end. How are those in the public eye substantially better, or more perfect than the rest of us? Looking at the mirror as I write this.
And often, those who live large lives fail in large ways. Google "happy valley set" for an alternative view of 20th century life in East Africa.
Celebrity is a harsh mistress, regardless of how it presents itself to us.
