Alcohol use, unspecified with withdrawal, unspecified

This code signifies a diagnosis of alcohol use disorder where the specific pattern or severity of use is not documented, but the patient is experiencing symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. It indicates the presence of physiological and psychological symptoms that occur upon cessation or reduction of alcohol intake after prolonged or heavy use.

Use this code when documentation clearly states "alcohol withdrawal" but lacks specificity regarding the type or severity of the alcohol use disorder (e.g., "alcohol abuse" or "alcohol dependence"). This code is appropriate for patients presenting with withdrawal symptoms where the underlying alcohol use is not further characterized.

• Avoid using this code if documentation specifies "alcohol abuse with withdrawal" or "alcohol dependence with withdrawal," as more specific codes exist.
• Always seek clarification from the provider if the type of alcohol use disorder is not documented but withdrawal symptoms are present.
• This code should be sequenced as a primary diagnosis when the reason for the encounter is the management of alcohol withdrawal.