Coroner records narrative conclusion after Poulton mum, 50, died at home after being found unwell on the sofa
A Lancashire mum who was in "pain both physically and emotionally" died at her home after taking a drugs overdose.
But a coroner concluded that the overdose taken by 50-year-old Michelle Hodgson may have been accidental.
Ms Hodgson, of Moorway, Poulton was found unresponsive on her couch at home in May 2025. She had taken a combination of prescription drugs and other drugs.
Assistant coroner Laura Fox, sitting at Preston Coroner's Court, heard that Ms Hodgson had a history of suicidal thoughts, overdoses and addiction to prescription drugs.
On May 6 she was found unwell at home. An ambulance was called but she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Toxicology tests found a fatal level of codeine, along with the use of paracetamol, diazepam, an epilepsy drug and amphetamine.
The inquest heard that Ms Hodgson's family had raised questions about the drugs prescribed to her, given her history.
But the coroner said she felt that staff at Lockwood surgery, Poulton, did all they could to help her and manage the risks.
The hearing was told that Ms Hodgson suffered from abdominal pain and also anxiety and depression. Earlier in 2025 she had been to Turkey for cosmetic surgery and was in some pain as a result of that.
Her GP, Dr Ian Kirkham, said Ms Hodgson often complained of pain and needed stronger medication to give her relief.
He was aware that she had been taken to hospital after an overdose, but she had denied it was intentional. She was simply trying to get pain relief.
Her medication was altered occasionally and if she tried to re-order too early questions were asked why.
Sometimes her medication was restricted, the inquest was told.
Asked about her suicidal thoughts Dr Kirkham said there were periods when she was anxious and periods when she was settled.
The practice partners met once a week and Ms Hodgson was discussed regularly.
Pharmacist Sarah Morley, who oversaw medicines, said the practice always preferred to give patients measured doses where possible. Reordering periods were monitored and on occasions Ms Hodgson's request for more drugs were refused.
In her case there was no one drug which helped her condition. She was prescribed codeine but not morphine or diazepam.
The inquest heard that Ms Hodgson was referred to mental health services after an overdose in September 2024 of diazepam she obtained on the street. In October she was discharged after saying she did not feel suicidal.
Coroner Ms Fox said Ms Hodgson had a troubled history and was clearly struggling with her mental health and her addiction. She was in pain both physically and emotionally.
Recording a narrative conclusion, Ms Fox said it was conceivable that Ms Hodgson took an overdose accidentally.
She said she also believed that the treatment she received from the Lockwood surgery was carried out with the best of intentions, with proper risk assessment.