Making mod element compatible with another?

Is there any way to make something check for an alternative item if another mod is installed? 
Im sure its not in mcreator on its own, but any direction to resources would be helpful. 

I have a procedure that changes a custom "thirst" level and wanted to make it compatible with another simmilar mod by checking if a specific item is being used instead of the item from my mod, but i do not want to make my mod dependant on the other mod, is this even possible?