A CORONER today warned of the long-term dangers of drug use after a former Ipswich addict died despite having kicked her habit.June Mitchell, of St George's Street, Ipswich, died from complications brought about by her heroin addiction, even though she had stopped taking the drug and was receiving treatment, an inquest heard.

A CORONER today warned of the long-term dangers of drug use after a former Ipswich addict died despite having kicked her habit.

June Mitchell, of St George's Street, Ipswich, died from complications brought about by her heroin addiction, even though she had stopped taking the drug and was receiving treatment, an inquest heard.

The 54-year-old was taking the heroin-substitute methadone when she suffered complete renal failure and other complications.

At the inquest into her death held at Suffolk County Council's Endeavour House headquarters yesterday, Greater Suffolk Coroner Dr Peter Dean said despite overcoming her addiction, Ms Mitchell's previous drug use resulted in her death.

The inquest heard that she died on April 5 at Ipswich Hospital after being admitted on March 8 with a fever and aches and pains.

Previously she had been attending the hospital three times each week to undergo dialysis.

Her family reported that at the time of being admitted to hospital she had become frail.

Dr Dean said doctors reported Ms Mitchell was in “end stage renal failure” linked to her previous history of intravenous drug use.

They found that she had not reverted to taking heroin but her condition continued to worsen nonetheless. She was suffering from hepatitis as well as chronic renal failure, Dr Dean said.

Dr Dean said: “We have a death essentially from complications following previous drug use.

“Sadly this emphasises some of the long term consequences of previous drug use.”

Dr Dean recorded a verdict of death from complications following previous drug use.

He added: “Our thoughts are very much with June Mitchell's family and all those close to her following their loss in these very sad circumstances.”

Has your family been through a similar situation? Have you overcome a drug addiction? Call The Evening Star newsdesk on 01473 324788 or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk.