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ICD-10 codes for substance use disorder

Learn the ICD‑10 codes for substance use disorders, including alcohol, opioid, and stimulant addiction.

October 16, 2025

8 min read

Substance use disorders can impact every part of life. With the right ICD-10 codes, mental health providers can document clearly, support billing accuracy, and ensure clients receive the comprehensive care they deserve at every stage of their treatment plan.

Read on to learn more about substance use disorder ICD-10 codes, why accurate coding is so important, and how Headway can help.

Primary ICD‑10 codes for substance use disorder

The ICD-10 coding framework for substance use disorders is found in the F10-F19 series, which classifies mental and behavioral disorders due to psychoactive substance use. Each code corresponds to a specific substance (see them outlined below).

Within each category, subcodes describe the clinical pattern: harmful use (.1), dependence (.2), withdrawal, psychotic disorder, or unspecified (.9). This structure provides a standardized way for providers to document diagnoses, support billing accuracy, and tailor treatment plans to the unique challenges of each substance.

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ICD‑10 code variants for different substances

It’s important to use the most accurate ICD-10 F code for substance use disorders, specifying the variant for the substance involved. Common ICD-10 variants include: 

  • F10: Alcohol-related disorders
  • F11: Opioid-related disorders (heroin, prescription opioids)
  • F12: Cannabis-related disorders
  • F13: Sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic-related disorders (benzodiazepines, barbiturates)
  • F14: Cocaine-related disorders
  • F15: Other stimulant-related disorders (including amphetamines, caffeine)
  • F16: Hallucinogen-related disorders (LSD, psilocybin, PCP)
  • F17: Nicotine/tobacco-related disorders
  • F18: Inhalant-related disorders (solvents, aerosols, glue)
  • F19: Other psychoactive substance-related disorders (multiple substances or unknown substances)

The ICD-10 uses the F10-F19 block for mental and behavioral disorders due to psychoactive substance use. Each category follows a similar structure, with extensions for:

  • .1 = Abuse/harmful use
  • .2 = Dependence
  • .9 = Unspecified

Example subcodes for substance use disorder

  • F10.10: Alcohol abuse, uncomplicated
  • F11.20: Opioid dependence, uncomplicated
  • F12.90: Cannabis use, unspecified, uncomplicated
  • F14.20: Cocaine dependence, uncomplicated

It’s important you make a clear, accurate and specific diagnosis that is appropriate to your individual patient clinical picture. These examples should be for reference and are not intended to guide a diagnosis. The client must meet diagnostic criteria for the F code they are assigned.

Why accurate ICD‑10 coding for substance use disorder matters

ICD-10 codes are an important part of identifying and managing mental health conditions and their symptoms in any therapy practice. For billing purposes, these diagnostic codes are the standardized language insurance companies use to process claims and pay providers for their work. Keep in mind, using an incorrect code may result in delayed payment. 

ICD-10 codes also support accurate documentation and treatment planning for clients experiencing related mental health conditions. Choosing the most specific code helps clarify your client’s symptom, guides evidence-based treatment approaches, and ensures continuity of care if the client changes providers. Detailed coding also helps make sure your records align with compliance requirements, which can prevent stress during potential audits.

Clients experiencing grief or those diagnosed with a substance use disorder may also experience a related mental health condition. Your documentation should include all relevant ICD-10 codes and reflect your client’s diagnosis and treatment plan. Common substance use disorder-adjacent ICD-10 codes include: 

  • F43.81, Prolonged grief disorder: Intense, persistent grief lasting beyond cultural expectations, interfering with daily functioning.
  • F43.20, Adjustment disorder, unspecified: Significant distress from a life change or stressor (like loss) without clear symptom type.
  • F43.21, Adjustment disorder, with depressed mood: Grief-related sadness and hopelessness that impair daily life.
  • F43.29, Adjustment disorder, with other symptoms: Grief response showing anxiety, behavior changes, or mixed symptoms not limited to depression.
  • F32.9, Major depressive disorder, unspecified: Persistent sadness, loss of interest, or hopelessness without a specified subtype.
  • F41.9, Anxiety disorder, unspecified: Excessive worry, fear, or tension that significantly impacts functioning.
  • F43.10, Post-traumatic stress disorder, unspecified: Symptoms of PTSD, such as intrusive memories or hyperarousal without a specified presentation.
  • F43.11, Post-traumatic stress disorder, acute: Short-term PTSD symptoms that develop soon after a traumatic event.

Treatment and clinical considerations

After diagnosing your client with an ICD-10 code, it’s important to determine a substance use disorder treatment plan to help them process their emotions and manage their symptoms.

There are many evidence-based treatment approaches for substance use disorder. The best treatment for substance use disorder depends on the individual and their unique needs. Some clients may need to go to an in-patient facility to safely detox with medication. Residential programs or intensive out-patient programs can also provide the necessary support for recovery, including group and individual therapy.

Several effective psychotherapy modalities exist for substance use disorders. One of the most common is cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, which helps people understand the relationship between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Other forms of evidence-based therapy for substance use disorders include: 

  • Motivational interviewing
  • Contingency management 
  • Community reinforcement approach 
  • Family-based therapies, such as multidimensional family therapy and functional family therapy
  • Relapse prevention therapy
  • Mindfulness-based relapse prevention 

Structured engagement with peer-support programs, such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous, can also be effective alongside other therapy treatment approaches.

Resources & next steps

Substance use disorder can be overwhelming for individuals experiencing it. The following resources can help you learn more about substance use disorder and addiction and how to support clients affected by them: 

Elevate your practice with Headway

Accurate ICD-10 coding for substance use disorders is essential for proper documentation, billing, and ensuring your clients get the care they need. With Headway, you don’t have to navigate complex codes alone. Our platform streamlines documentation, supports compliance with insurance requirements, and helps you focus on providing compassionate, effective treatment.

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This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute clinical, legal, financial, or professional advice. All decisions should be made at the discretion of the individual or organization, in consultation with qualified clinical, legal, or other appropriate professionals.

© 2025 Therapymatch, Inc. dba Headway. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without permission.

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