A 25-YEAR-old Blackburn man died as a result of heroin abuse just days before he was due to go into residential rehabilitation.

An inquest heard that Warren Melling, a "happy go lucky" and popular individual, was determined to beat his addiction and had made great strides through his own efforts.

But his mother, Susan Bellusci, said she believed his success in reducing his heroin intake may have contributed to his death.

Mrs Bellusci said she believed as a result of Warren's efforts his system had become less tolerant of heroin resulting in his death.

Warren was found dead in his room at Union House, St Peter Street, on December 11.

James Harkness, an employee at Union House, found Warren in his room at the hostel after Mrs Bellusci and her husband raised the alarm.

Dr Richard Prescott, who carried out a post-mortem examination, said the level of morphine in the blood had been 460 microgrammes per litre compared with a level of 400 usually associated with fatality.

But he said the cause of death was postural asphyxia due to morphine toxicity and explained the level of heroin would have negated the body's natural reaction to avoid suffocation.

Recording a verdict of misadventure deputy coroner Carolyn Singleton said the evidence produced a sad story of a young man who through his adolescence and early adult life had difficulties.

"I am struck by the fact this young man was trying very hard to get his life in order," said Mrs Singleton.