- F14
- Substance Use Disorders
Mental and Behavioural Disorders Due to Cocaine Use (F14)
DSM-5-TR: Stimulant Use Disorder (Cocaine)
ICD-10-AM and DSM-5-TR may classify conditions differently. Refer to APA and WHO for complete diagnostic criteria.
Key Facts
- ICD-10 RangeF10-F19
- Subcodes5 subcodes
- Australian PrevalenceApproximately 4.2% of Australians report lifetime cocaine use, with use rates increasing. Cocaine-related presentations are most common in emergency departments in major metropolitan areas.
- Global PrevalenceApproximately 20 million people use cocaine worldwide. North and South America account for the majority of global cocaine use.
- Duration RequirementDependence syndrome (F14.2): three or more features present simultaneously for at least one month, or repeatedly within a 12-month period
Overview
Covers disorders arising from the use of cocaine, including crack cocaine. Cocaine is a powerful stimulant that causes intense but short-lived euphoria. Repeated use can lead to dependence and psychosis.
Diagnostic Criteria (ICD-10)
Core Features
- Strong desire or compulsion to use cocaine
- Difficulty controlling cocaine use in terms of onset, termination, or amount
- Withdrawal symptoms (dysphoria, fatigue, increased sleep and appetite) on cessation
- Evidence of tolerance to cocaine effects
- Progressive neglect of alternative pleasures or interests
- Persistent use despite clear evidence of harmful consequences
Duration Dependence syndrome (F14.2): three or more features present simultaneously for at least one month, or repeatedly within a 12-month period
Exclusion Criteria
- Cocaine use without features of dependence or harm
ICD-10-AM Subcodes
| Code | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| F14.0 | Acute intoxication | Transient condition following cocaine use, characterised by euphoria, increased energy, reduced appetite, tachycardia, hypertension, and mydriasis. |
| F14.1 | Harmful use | Pattern of cocaine use causing damage to physical or mental health. |
| F14.2 | Dependence syndrome | A cluster of physiological, behavioural, and cognitive phenomena with compulsive cocaine use, tolerance, and withdrawal on cessation. |
| F14.3 | Withdrawal state | Symptoms occurring after cocaine use cessation, including dysphoria, fatigue, hypersomnia, increased appetite, and intense craving. |
| F14.5 | Psychotic disorder | Paranoid psychosis or other psychotic phenomena occurring during or after cocaine use. |
Classification Boundaries
Includes
- Cocaine dependence
- Crack cocaine harmful use
- Cocaine-induced psychosis
Australian Clinical Context
Cocaine is less prevalent in Australia than in some countries but use is increasing, particularly in urban areas. Cocaine-related ED presentations are rising. Australia primarily receives cocaine via maritime importation.
Medicare (MBS) Pathways
Better Access to Mental Health Care
The primary Medicare pathway for mental health treatment in Australia. Requires a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) referral. Available for any clinically diagnosed mental disorder.
10 individual + 10 group sessions per calendar year
| Provider Type | MBS Items | Session Type |
|---|---|---|
| Clinical Psychologist | 80000–80025 | Psychological therapy (higher rebate) |
| Registered Psychologist | 80100–80123 | Focused psychological strategies |
| Occupational Therapist | 80125–80145 | Focused psychological strategies |
| Social Worker | 80150–80175 | Focused psychological strategies |
| Psychiatrist | 291, 296–299, 300–308 | Psychiatric consultation |
GP referral items: 2700, 2701, 2715, 2717
Eligibility: Any clinically diagnosed mental disorder as defined by WHO ICD-10 Chapter V. Requires a GP or psychiatrist referral.
Exclusions:
- Intellectual disability (use Complex Neurodevelopmental Disorder pathway or specialist referral)
- Dementia and organic mental disorders (use specialist referral pathway)
- Tobacco use disorder
State and territory drug and alcohol services may also apply alongside MBS.
Grounded Scribe suggests the right MBS item codes from your recording so you can claim accurately without re-keying.
Reference information sourced from MBS Online (mbsonline.gov.au). Item availability, rebates, and eligibility criteria may change. This is not billing advice — always verify current items before claiming. Last verified: April 2026.
Clinical Documentation Notes
Cocaine has a short half-life (~1 hour), meaning withdrawal begins rapidly. Cocaine-induced psychosis typically resolves within days but may persist longer. Cardiovascular complications (arrhythmia, myocardial infarction) are significant acute risks. No approved pharmacotherapy exists; psychological treatments (CBT, contingency management) are first-line.
Related Diagnostic Codes
ICD-10-AM diagnostic codes commonly associated with the Mental and Behavioural Disorders Due to Cocaine Use (F14).
Frequently Asked Questions
How does cocaine use disorder differ from methamphetamine use disorder clinically?
Both are stimulant disorders but cocaine has a shorter duration of action (minutes to hours) compared to methamphetamine (8–24 hours). Methamphetamine-induced psychosis tends to be more prolonged and severe. Both are coded separately — cocaine under F14, amphetamine-type stimulants under F15.
References
- World Health Organization. ICD-10-AM.
- American Psychiatric Association. DSM-5-TR. 2022.
- AIHW. National Drug Strategy Household Survey.
This tool calculates scores based on published guidelines for professional reference. It does not provide clinical diagnoses. Scores are provided as reference information only and should be interpreted by a qualified practitioner in the context of a comprehensive assessment.
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