The International Classification of Diseases (ICD), developed by the World Health Organisation (WHO), is a standardised system used worldwide for the classification and coding of diseases, symptoms, abnormal findings, and external causes of injury or disease. The ICD-10 includes over 14,400 diagnostic codes, allowing for detailed tracking of health conditions, including those related to alcohol and other substance use disorders.
The updated ICD-11 expands upon this framework, serving as the international standard for recording, reporting, and comparing mortality and morbidity data. It classifies mental, behavioural, and neurodevelopmental disorders related to the use of psychoactive substances, covering fourteen substance categories that can lead to dependence or cause harm to mental and physical health. The ICD system supports consistent global communication in public health, research, and clinical care.
Sources: Recovery Research Institute; HRB