Lucky? I doubt he's feeling lucky at this point. As for his wealth, I think luck had little to do with it.
Some, not just you, are trying to create a moral equivalence between Rush's addiction to pain killers and addiction to recreational drugs. They are quite different, both in the reason they started taking the drug, and why they continue to take them.
An addiction to a pain medication, initiated by a doctor prescription, for relief of pain cannot be equated to the first instance of taking a recreational drug to get a euphoric feeling. To make those equivalent is absurd.
As the pain medication user builds up a tolerance to the pain medication, it becomes less effective in reducing the pain for which they are taking the medicine. They may need a larger dose to continue receiving the same pain relief. If the pain goes away and they continue to take the medicine because they have become addicted to it, then you can say they shouldn't be taking the medicine any longer, but it would be unfair to say they should be looked down on.
When a person takes a drug for recreational purposes, they are acting foolishly. They are taking a tremendous risk. One choice, to take the drug the first time, can lead to the end your brother had.
I'm sorry for your brother, but do not think that every case has to turn out that way. As you can read on this thread, there are many success stories. And I think we will soon be adding another one about Rush.
Many so called "recreational" users begin taking drugs for pyscholocical reasons. Heavy drinkers and drug abuses are often labeled "recreational" users when in fact they are merely self-medicating their mental problems. Both Rush and "recreational" abusers need help and prayers.