A dad-of-two who had battled drug and alcohol dependency was 'stable and well' for six years - before he overdosed and died, an inquest heard.
Matthew Sutton, 41, who had two sons aged six and 18, had a history of alcohol and cocaine misuse.
He died in September following what a coroner suspected could have been a 'cry for help' as he 'got back into his old ways'.
His parents Joan and John Sutton told an inquest at South Manchester (Stockport) Coroners' Court he suffered a circulation stroke in July 2020.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, they had not been able to visit him in hospital.
Ms Sutton said: "He had his problems, but he was a pleasant man.
"He had a stroke last July and phoned us from hospital, but because of Covid we could not see him.
"He met his partner six years ago and had a great life, but after that stroke he was back to cocaine and drink.
"He had six years being really stable and well.
"He fell out with his partner and moved in with his sister Tracy.
"He was up all night and sleeping most of the day."
Ms Sutton said she was aware her son was depressed and said: "He cried one night."
She told the inquest Mr Sutton had spent some time in prison.
"His real fear was going back to prison," Ms Sutton added.
Police coroners' officer Alison Catlow said an emergency call was made on September 5, 2020.
During the call, Mr Sutton's father said: "I think my son may have committed suicide."
Police attended his home at The Laurels, Mossley, Tameside, and seized medication. Mr Sutton's phone was sent off for analysis.
Mr Sutton had sent a series of text messages to his friend and his ex, accusing her of blocking his number and believing she had had an affair, the court heard.
He told her that by the time she read the message, he would have taken a number of tablets.
Coroner Chris Morris said Mr Sutton had taken a combination of drugs and alcohol.
He said: "I am not satisfied that he took them with the intention of causing his death.
"It could have been a cry for help."
The coroner described it as 'an ill-judged amount of medication', adding: "He had got back into his old ways again."
Mr Morris concluded Mr Sutton's death was drug and alcohol-related.
His sister Rachael said after the hearing: "Matthew was a loving son, brother, dad, uncle and great uncle.
"He was a lovable rogue, a funny character and a charmer, plus a great friend to many and would help anyone out."
