A woman who suffered from a history of alcohol and drug use died as a result of an overdose, an inquest has concluded.

Vicki Grossi, 47, had come out of hospital shortly before her death on May 26 having “intentionally poisoned” herself with bleach.

Ms Grossi’s friend would go round to her house to bring her food but having not heard from her for a while, she entered the property having found the door to be unlocked.

She was found cold and unresponsive with a packet of pregabalin close by, which was missing nine tablets.

A post-mortem CT scan offered a medical cause of death of alcoholic liver disease, though the toxicology report showed evidence of excessive pregabalin use which would have been fatal.

A statement read out at Blackburn Town Hall from Ms Grossi’s mother said she would speak with her daughter almost every day on the phone and it would sometimes sound as though she was slurring her words.

On May 22 she phoned her in the hospital and was worried about the slurring in her speech. She told her she was in no fit state to go home, but the next day found out Ms Grossi and signed herself out.

It was also said in the court had previously had a significant period off alcohol and she was very proud of that, but her relapse would have caused a lot of embarrassment to herself.

A statement from PC Usman, who attended Ms Grossi’s home in Grange Park Way, Haslingden, at the time of her death, confirmed there were no suspicious circumstances.

Coroner Richard Taylor offered a narrative conclusion, saying: “Vicki Grossi was found dead at her home on May 26 having ingested an excess of pregabalin, though it is not possible to determine her intention at this time.”

If you need to access drug or alcohol support in Blackburn with Darwen, contact Spark BwD by calling 01254 495014 or emailing BWD@calico.org.uk.

In other parts of East Lancashire, people can contact Inspire Lancashire on 01254 495382 or at eastlancs.info@cgl.org.uk.