Published April 2026

Supporting Accurate Identification & Documentation

April is Alcohol Awareness Month, dedicated to highlighting alcohol-related conditions and emphasizing proper identification and documentation of alcohol use, abuse, and dependence. These disorders impact health and often require ongoing care. Providers are crucial in recognizing and documenting these issues accurately for effective diagnosis and treatment.

Definitions: Alcohol Use, Abuse, and Dependence

Alcohol Use

• Refers to alcohol consumption without documented harmful behavior, functional impairment, or physiological dependence. In most cases, alcohol use codes should be reported only when an associated condition is documented and explicitly linked, per ICD 10 CM instructional guidance

Alcohol Abuse

• A pattern of alcohol use leads to recurrent negative consequences, such as problems at work or home, risky behaviors, or health concerns. Documentation should clearly describe how alcohol use is contributing to these outcomes

Alcohol Dependence

• A chronic condition characterized by loss of control, cravings, tolerance and/or withdrawal, and continued use despite harm. The condition should be documented as active or in remission and supported by documented treatment, monitoring, or ongoing management

Key Documentation Tips

• Distinguish between alcohol use, abuse, and dependence, as these represent different clinical severities and are not interchangeable
• If only alcohol use is documented, follow ICD 10 CM instructional guidance. In most cases, alcohol use codes may be reported only when an associated condition is documented and explicitly linked to the use (e.g., alcohol use with anxiety)
• Specify whether the condition is active or in remission and use the appropriate remission code when applicable
• Include relevant signs, symptoms, counseling, medications, referrals, or monitoring to support medical necessity

Common ICD 10 CM Codes

Please refer to the ICD-10-CM coding manual for an all-inclusive list of codes