Inhalant abuse, in remission

This code signifies a diagnosis of inhalant abuse where the patient is currently in a period of sustained remission. This means the individual previously met the diagnostic criteria for inhalant abuse but has not experienced symptoms or engaged in inhalant use for a sustained period, typically at least 12 months, without being in a controlled environment.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates a history of inhalant abuse and the patient is currently in remission. This is often supported by a clinician's assessment, patient self-report, or toxicology screens confirming abstinence. It's crucial for tracking long-term recovery and treatment outcomes.

• Ensure documentation specifies "in remission" and not just "history of" without current active abuse.
• Distinguish from F18.21 (inhalant dependence, in remission), which implies a more severe pattern of use with withdrawal symptoms or tolerance.
• Always review the full clinical picture to determine if any other co-occurring mental health or substance use disorders need to be coded.