CIWA-Ar Alcohol Withdrawal Calculator

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Ask: "Do you feel sick to your stomach? Have you vomited?" Observe for signs of nausea.
Observe arms extended and fingers spread apart. Ask patient to hold arms out.
Observe the patient for visible perspiration.
Ask: "Do you feel nervous?" Observe for clinical signs of anxiety (agitation, tension).
Observe patient behavior throughout the assessment.
Ask: "Have you any itching, pins and needles sensations, any burning, any numbness, or do you feel bugs crawling on or under your skin?"
Ask: "Are you more aware of sounds around you? Are they harsh? Do they frighten you? Are you hearing anything that is disturbing to you? Are you hearing things you know are not there?"
Ask: "Does the light appear to be too bright? Is its color different? Does it hurt your eyes? Are you seeing anything that is disturbing to you? Are you seeing things you know are not there?"
Ask: "Does your head feel different? Does it feel like there is a band around your head?" Do not rate for dizziness or lightheadedness.
Ask: "What day is this? Where are you? Who am I?" Ask patient to do serial additions (e.g. count by 7s from 100).
CIWA-Ar Total ScoreMinimal
0points

Sum of all 10 CIWA-Ar items (maximum 67)

Severity LevelMinimal (0-8)
Clinical GuidancePharmacological treatment is generally not indicated. Monitor closely and reassess regularly.
0 pts
Minimal<9Mild9-16Moderate16-21Severe21+

CIWA-Ar score 0 - Minimal withdrawal

  • A score of 0 out of a maximum possible 67 is in the minimal range.

Next stepMonitor the patient closely. Repeat CIWA-Ar assessments every 4-8 hours or sooner if symptoms worsen. No pharmacological treatment typically required at this score.

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