Alcohol Dependence ICD-10-CM Codes | 2025

What are Alcohol Dependence ICD-10-CM Codes?

Alcohol dependence, also referred to as alcohol use disorder, is a serious medical condition classified under several ICD-10-CM codes, reflecting its severity, symptoms, and complications. These codes are essential for documenting mental and behavioural disorders related to psychoactive substance use, particularly alcohol.

• F10.20 – Alcohol dependence, uncomplicated
  This code is used when alcohol dependence is diagnosed, but no other complications like induced disorders or withdrawal are present. It applies to patients without tolerance, delirium, or hallucinations.
• F10.21 – Alcohol dependence, in remission
  Used for individuals in sustained remission alcohol or early remission alcohol, this code identifies a patient previously diagnosed but not currently engaging in harmful alcohol use.
• F10.22 – Alcohol dependence with intoxication
• Used for individuals with a diagnosis of alcohol dependence who are currently intoxicated, this code identifies a patient exhibiting both a history of harmful alcohol use and acute symptoms of alcohol intoxication.
• F10.23 – Alcohol dependence with withdrawal
  Applicable when withdrawal symptoms are present, such as intoxication delirium, alcohol induced sleep disorder, sweating, or tremors. It may accompany other alcohol related disorders.
• F10.24 – Alcohol dependence with alcohol-induced mood disorder
  This code includes induced mood disorders like depression or alcohol induced anxiety disorder, linked directly to continued alcohol use.
• F10.26 – Alcohol dependence with alcohol-induced persisting amnestic disorder
  Used when alcohol dependence leads to long-term alcohol induced persisting dementia, memory loss, or neurodevelopmental disorders.

Which Alcohol Dependence ICD Codes are billable?

All of the following alcohol dependence ICD-10 codes are billable and used in clinical documentation and claims processing:

• F10.20 – Yes, billable for uncomplicated alcoholism or chronic dependence.
• F10.21 – Yes, for dependence in remission or alcohol use unspecified.
• F.10.22 - Yes, for defence with intoxication
• F10.23 – Yes, covers dependence with withdrawal or acute drunkenness.
• F10.24 – Yes, when there’s a link to alcohol induced disorder like induced psychotic disorder or induced anxiety disorder.
• F10.26 – Yes, when there's cognitive decline like alcohol induced sexual dysfunction, amnesia, or alcohol induced psychotic disorder.

Clinical information

Alcohol use disorder and alcohol dependence are part of a spectrum of psychoactive substance dependence and psychoactive substance abuse classified under mental and behavioural disorders. They involve serious behavioral disorders and physiological effects.

Key clinical features of alcohol dependence (ICD-10 CM) include:

• Inability to stop drinking despite negative outcomes, consistent with alcohol abuse with intoxication or alcohol induced disorder.
• Increased tolerance: Needing more alcohol to feel its effects—a hallmark of dependence with intoxication or dependence with alcohol induced complications.
• Withdrawal symptoms, including delirium, seizures, and alcohol induced sleep disorder—qualifying for dependence with withdrawal diagnoses.
• Disruption in life roles and health, including induced sexual dysfunction, job loss, or relationship harm.
• May be accompanied by induced psychotic disorders, delusions, or hallucinations in severe stages.

Additional coding notes to keep in mind are:

• When coding alcohol dependence, always document the presence of symptoms, severity (e.g., moderate, severe), remission status, and any associated mental or behavioral disorders.
• Be sure to include evidence of harm, withdrawal, or behavioral impact in the patient’s diagnosis.

Synonyms include:

• Alcoholism
• Chronic Alcohol Abuse
• Alcohol Use Disorder
• Alcohol Addiction
• Ethanol Dependence