Question by Curtis: Do I qualify for Cal-SDI with these ICD-9 codes as my diagnosis?
My doctor took me out of work after i went to him to seek treatment for severe stress and crippling anxiety related to that stress. After a short talk about my daily life and what was going on he put me on a short grocery list of medications and took me out of work for 8 weeks.
The primary diagnosis listed on the application was 300.02 (generalized anxiety disorder).
The secondary diagnosis was 291.81(alcohol with-drawl syndrome).
The notation for the diagnosis was “generalized anxiety disorder, depression, alcohol dependence and alcohol with-drawl.
The findings were “patient is undergoing severe anxiety and depression related to detoxing from alcohol”
My medications are Naltrexone, Gabapentin, Gydroxyzine,and Remeron. Some pretty heavy stuff.
It’s important to note that I did not go to my doctor because i felt i have a drinking problem. i drank nightly, but not heavily (1-4 beers a night after work). my doctor is a never-drink-again guru and that’s the path he decided to take, I have followed it to the letter.
My question is, with that primary and secondary diagnosis (not living in a treatment facility) do I qualify for California state disability. I’m obviously very concerned.
Thank you for taking the time to read this, and I appreciate any help or advice you can give me. I’m most interested in the recent law applied to my situation.

Best answer:

Answer by TheRavenAZ
Since the first diagnosis is caused by the secondary diagnosis, I don’t believe it’s a qualifying condition because it is a choice to drink. Not to mention, it’s temporary. Alcohol withdrawal will only last so long. You should be through it within the 8 weeks you have and the second condition should disappear.

They can’t allow people on disability for self inflicted abuse or any pertain who doesn’t want to work could go, abuse alcohol or drugs, then get on disability.

As for your medications:

Naltrexone: Helps patients with alcohol problems by keeping the body from wanting alcohol. 

Gabapentin: Treats certain types of seizures (which can happen during detox)

Gydroxyzine: (Hydroxyzine) is an antihistamine with anticholinergic (drying) and sedative properties that is used to treat allergic reactions. It is used primarily for the symptomatic relief of anxiety and tension associated with psychoneurosis and as an adjunct in organic disease states in which anxiety is manifested. It is also used as a anti-nausea, sedative and tranquilizer.

Remeron: Used to treat major depressive disorder.

All of these are appropriate drugs to get you through detox without so much pain and anxiety. You shouldn’t have to continue taking them forever.

BTW – If you’re drinking even 3 – 4 beers every single night after work, that is a lot of alcohol. 1-2 a night maybe not. If it wasn’t excessive, your body wouldn’t be going through withdrawals.

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