2025 ICD-10-CM code F18.2
Inhalant dependence
Medical necessity for treatment of inhalant dependence is established by the presence of significant impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning due to the substance use.
Clinicians should diagnose inhalant dependence based on medical history, signs and symptoms, a detailed inquiry into personal and social behaviors, and a physical examination. Laboratory studies may include tests of blood, urine, and other bodily fluids for specific inhalants. Treatment approaches include education, prevention, counseling, residential treatment, and family and group therapy.
- Mental, Behavioral and Neurodevelopmental disorders (F01-F99)
- F18 (Mental and behavioral disorders due to psychoactive substance use)
In simple words: Inhalant dependence means a person can't stop using things like spray paint, glue, or gas to get high, even if it's hurting them.Their body gets used to it, and they feel sick if they stop.Using these things can cause serious problems, like brain damage, organ damage, and even death, sometimes from just one use.
Inhalant dependence refers to a condition where an individual is unable to stop using inhalants due to the development of tolerance. Inhalants are commonly available products like aerosols, gases, and solvents containing hydrocarbons, which, upon reaching the bloodstream, cause significant psychoactive effects. Even a single use can lead to brain damage or death.Inhalant dependence is marked by nausea, dilated pupils, anxiety, dry mouth, rapid heartbeat, and mental symptoms like disorientation, euphoria, irritability, paranoia, delusions, and hallucinations. Users might exhibit violent or risky behaviors and continue use despite negative consequences. Prolonged inhalant abuse can cause hearing loss, limb spasms, and permanent damage to vital organs, including the brain, liver, and kidneys.
Example 1: A 15-year-old male is brought to the emergency room after being found unconscious in his bedroom with a bag containing spray paint residue. He admits to regularly "huffing" paint fumes to get high and exhibits signs of inhalant dependence, including nausea, disorientation, and continued use despite knowing the risks., A 20-year-old female presents to a substance abuse clinic seeking help for inhalant dependence. She reports using various aerosols and gases daily, experiencing withdrawal symptoms when she tries to stop, and engaging in risky behaviors to obtain inhalants., A 12-year-old child is found sniffing glue by a school counselor. Upon further investigation, it is revealed that the child has been using inhalants for several months and exhibits signs of dependence, including tolerance, withdrawal symptoms, and continued use despite negative physical and psychological effects.
Documentation should include type of inhalant used, frequency and duration of use, signs and symptoms of dependence, evidence of tolerance and withdrawal, any physical or psychological effects, social and behavioral changes, and treatment approaches.
- Specialties:Addiction medicine, psychiatry, emergency medicine, pediatrics, family medicine
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Emergency Room - Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Office, Residential Substance Abuse Treatment Facility, Non-residential Substance Abuse Treatment Facility