🍷 CIWA-Ar (Alcohol Withdrawal)
Grade alcohol withdrawal severity with the CIWA-Ar to drive symptom-triggered therapy.
CIWA-Ar (Alcohol Withdrawal)
Nausea/vomiting (0–7)
Tremor (0–7)
Paroxysmal sweats (0–7)
Anxiety (0–7)
Agitation (0–7)
Tactile disturbances (0–7)
Auditory disturbances (0–7)
Visual disturbances (0–7)
Headache/fullness in head (0–7)
Orientation/clouding of sensorium (0–4)
When to use
Titrate benzodiazepines and monitor alcohol withdrawal.
How it works
Ten items (nine scored 0–7, orientation 0–4); total 0–67. < 8 minimal, 8–15 mild–moderate, > 15 severe.
Key points
- ≥ 8–10 typically triggers benzodiazepine dosing.
- Unreliable in delirium, intubation or communication barriers.
- Use fixed-dose/phenobarbital protocols where CIWA-Ar can't be applied.
References
Decision support for licensed clinicians only; not a substitute for clinical judgement, diagnosis or local protocols.