Score alcohol withdrawal severity with the 10-item CIWA-Ar scale, from minimal to severe.
Result
How to use this tool
Score what you observe now, not the worst ever.
It scores 0-4, while the other nine score 0-7.
The total, not any single item, sets the band.
Higher bands need closer monitoring and medical management.
Formula & worked example
All items at 0 scores 0 (minimal). Scoring 2 on each of the nine 0-7 items and 1 on orientation gives 19, moderate withdrawal. Scoring 5 on most items exceeds 20, severe.
Limitations — read this before you rely on it
Educational aid only, using the published CIWA-Ar scale. It is not medical advice and does not replace supervised withdrawal care. Alcohol withdrawal can be life-threatening: seek urgent medical help for severe symptoms, confusion, hallucinations, seizures or a high score.
Frequently asked questions
The Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment for Alcohol, revised: a 10-item scale for alcohol withdrawal severity.
Over 20 is severe, with risk of seizures and delirium tremens. Any severe symptom needs urgent help regardless of total.
This is an educational aid. Alcohol withdrawal should be managed with medical supervision, not self-assessment alone.
In care it is repeated regularly, often hourly at first, to track change and guide treatment.
No. It grades severity once withdrawal is recognised; diagnosis is clinical.