6C40.0

ICD-11 MMS 2026-01

Episode of harmful use of alcohol

Description

An episode of use of alcohol that has caused damage to a person’s physical or mental health or has resulted in behaviour leading to harm to the health of others. Harm to health of the individual occurs due to one or more of the following: (1) behaviour related to intoxication; (2) direct or secondary toxic effects on body organs and systems; or (3) a harmful route of administration. Harm to health of others includes any form of physical harm, including trauma, or mental disorder that is directly attributable to behaviour due to alcohol intoxication on the part of the person to whom the diagnosis of single episode of harmful use applies. This diagnosis should not be made if the harm is attributed to a known pattern of alcohol use.

Index terms

  • Episode of harmful use of alcohol

Excludes

  • 6C40.1 – Harmful pattern of use of alcohol
  • 6C40.2 – Alcohol dependence

Exclusions from above levels

  • QE10 – Hazardous alcohol use
  • QE62 – Uncomplicated bereavement
  • QE84 – Acute stress reaction

Sibling codes

  • 6C40.1 – Harmful pattern of use of alcohol
  • 6C40.2 – Alcohol dependence
  • 6C40.3 – Alcohol intoxication
  • 6C40.4 – Alcohol withdrawal
  • 6C40.5 – Alcohol-induced delirium
  • 6C40.6 – Alcohol-induced psychotic disorder
  • 6C40.7 – Certain specified alcohol-induced mental or behavioural disorders
  • 6C40.Y – Other specified disorders due to use of alcohol
  • 6C40.Z – Disorders due to use of alcohol, unspecified

Foundation entity

Episode of harmful use of alcohol – http://id.who.int/icd/entity/766814084

Allowed postcoordination axes

Part of: 6C40: Disorders due to use of alcohol › 06: Mental, behavioural or neurodevelopmental disorders