In simple words: This diagnosis refers to the harmful overuse of substances that don't usually cause addiction but can still be damaging to your health.The specific substance used is not covered by a more specific code.

Abuse of other non-psychoactive substances.This condition involves the excessive or harmful use of substances that do not typically lead to dependence but can negatively impact physical or mental health. The specific substance abused is not classified elsewhere in the F55 category.

Example 1: A patient presents with frequent diarrhea, dehydration, and electrolyte abnormalities. Upon further evaluation, the patient admits to excessive and chronic laxative abuse for weight control, though they deny dependence. Since F55.2 (Abuse of laxatives) refers specifically to diagnosed abuse, and the documentation does not support such a diagnosis, code F55.8 is used., An individual is found to have significantly elevated liver enzymes and reports long-term overuse of over-the-counter herbal remedies.The specific herbal remedy is not identified in other codes within F55, thus F55.8 is applied., A patient is admitted with cardiac arrhythmias. It's discovered they've been excessively using energy drinks containing high doses of stimulants not classified under other substance abuse categories. Due to the adverse health effects, this is documented as substance abuse, and F55.8 is the appropriate code.

Documentation should include the specific non-psychoactive substance being abused, evidence of its excessive use, and any resulting physical or mental health consequences.Detailed patient history, physical exam findings, and laboratory results should support the diagnosis of abuse.

** It is crucial to distinguish F55.8 (abuse of other non-psychoactive substances) from dependence-producing substance abuse codes (F10-F19).Also differentiate between abuse (harmful use) and other uses like dietary supplements or vitamin usage that may lead to elevated levels but are not indicative of substance abuse.