I'm truly sorry to hear about the loss of your son. Dealing with the loss of a loved one, especially under such circumstances, is incredibly challenging.
It is difficult to provide a definitive answer without more detailed information or a medical examination of your son. However, there are several possible explanations for the reaction you described:
Tolerance and Sensitivity: With ongoing drug use and addiction, individuals can develop a tolerance to the effects of drugs like opiates. As a result, they may require higher doses to achieve the same effect. This increased tolerance can also lead to heightened sensitivity to the drug's side effects, making them more susceptible to adverse reactions.
Adulteration or Contaminants: Illicit drugs like opiates can be laced with other substances or contaminants, which can lead to unexpected and dangerous reactions. Substances like fentanyl, which is much more potent than heroin or other opioids, are sometimes mixed into illicit drugs, increasing the risk of overdose and severe adverse reactions.
Underlying Health Issues: Your son's reaction could have been influenced by pre-existing health conditions, either related to his drug use or independent of it. Chronic drug use can have various detrimental effects on the body, and these effects may differ from person to person.
Overdose: The extreme reaction you described could be a result of an overdose. When someone takes a dangerously high amount of opiates, it can lead to a severe and life-threatening response, such as loss of muscular control or convulsions.
Individual Differences: People's bodies and reactions to drugs can vary widely due to genetic and physiological factors. What might be a typical reaction for one person may not be the same for another.
Drug Interactions: If your son was taking multiple substances simultaneously, there might have been interactions between the drugs that exacerbated his reaction.
In any case, it's important to remember that drug addiction is a complex and challenging issue. It is not uncommon for individuals struggling with addiction to experience severe and unpredictable effects due to the nature of illicit and unregulated substances.
If you have any lingering questions or concerns, consider reaching out to a medical professional or an addiction specialist who can offer more personalized insights and guidance. They may be able to help you understand the specific factors that could have contributed to your son's reaction. Additionally, counseling or support groups could provide a safe space to share your feelings and experiences with others who have lost loved ones to addiction.