Alcohol dependence, uncomplicated

This code signifies a patient's physiological or psychological reliance on alcohol, characterized by a pattern of compulsive alcohol seeking and use despite harmful consequences. It indicates that the dependence is not accompanied by withdrawal, delirium, or other specified alcohol-induced disorders.

Apply this code when documentation clearly states alcohol dependence without any acute complications like intoxication, withdrawal, or psychotic disorders. This is appropriate for patients with a chronic pattern of problematic alcohol use, often involving tolerance and withdrawal symptoms when alcohol intake is reduced, but who are not currently experiencing an acute episode of these complications.

• Ensure documentation explicitly states "uncomplicated" or absence of acute withdrawal, intoxication, or other alcohol-induced disorders.
• Do not use this code if the patient is experiencing acute alcohol withdrawal (e.g., F10.230, F10.231) or intoxication (F10.12x).
• Consider sequencing this code as a primary diagnosis when the alcohol dependence is the focus of the encounter, or as a secondary diagnosis if it's a co-morbidity impacting treatment.