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2025 ICD-10-CM code F18.1

Inhalant abuse

Do not use F18.1 if the individual is dependent on inhalants; instead, use codes from category F18.2-.Also, do not use F18.1 if inhalant use is unspecified; use F18.9- in such cases.

Medical necessity for services related to F18.1 is established by the presence of harmful physical or psychological effects due to inhalant abuse, requiring intervention to prevent further complications or improve the individual's condition.This may include detoxification, counseling, therapy, and treatment for related health issues.

Clinicians should assess for inhalant abuse based on medical history, physical signs (e.g., chemical odor, stains), and behavioral changes (e.g., disorientation, slurred speech). Laboratory tests of blood, urine, or other bodily fluids may be conducted to detect specific inhalants. Treatment typically involves counseling, therapy (individual, family, group), and addressing any organ damage or other health complications resulting from inhalant use.

In simple words: Inhalant abuse is when someone breathes in fumes from things like paint thinner, glue, or hairspray to get high.This can be very dangerous and cause serious health problems, including death, even the first time it's tried.

Inhalant abuse refers to the deliberate inhalation of volatile substances to achieve an altered mental state.These substances, readily available in common household and workplace products, include volatile solvents (e.g., paint thinner, gasoline, glues), aerosols (e.g., spray deodorant, hair spray), nitrites (e.g., scented sprays, leather cleaner), and gases (e.g., butane, refrigerants). Inhalant abuse can lead to various short-term effects like euphoria, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, slurred speech, and impaired coordination. Long-term abuse is associated with severe health consequences including damage to the brain, heart, liver, kidneys, and nervous system, as well as mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and personality changes.

Example 1: A 14-year-old adolescent is brought to the emergency room with slurred speech, dizziness, and nausea. The adolescent's friends report that they were sniffing paint thinner. The diagnosis is inhalant intoxication (F18.1)., A 20-year-old individual presents with cognitive impairment, including memory problems and difficulty concentrating.The individual admits to chronic use of spray paint and other aerosols. The diagnosis is inhalant abuse (F18.1) with cognitive impairment., A 25-year-old individual seeks treatment for depression and anxiety. During the evaluation, the individual reports a history of long-term glue sniffing. The diagnosis is inhalant abuse (F18.1) with comorbid mood and anxiety disorders.

Documentation for F18.1 should include evidence of the type of inhalant used, the frequency and duration of use, the method of inhalation (e.g., sniffing, huffing, bagging), and the associated signs and symptoms.It is crucial to document any long-term effects of inhalant abuse, including neurological damage, cardiac issues, or mental health disorders.

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