Here is a quote from Paul Schroder from his Facebook page relating to Philip Hoffman's tragic death and Nic's comment on it. Interesting.

'The more time passes after Philip Hoffman's death the more upset I become. My first reaction was "another one gone" but after three days later I find myself seething: "Why the f*** did you do this?" I was discussing this today with Nic Cage on set and Nic said, "It's the dragon (heroin). Everything I've heard about it says once the dragon gets you, you can't stop. That's why I never got near it." Perhaps Phil's death with help others fear the dragon.'