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Printed on 4/21/2026
For informational purposes only. This is not medical advice.
CIWA-Ar is a structured bedside withdrawal severity scale used to monitor alcohol withdrawal progression and guide protocolized treatment intensity in supervised care settings.
Formula: CIWA-Ar total = sum of 10 domain scores (range 0-67).
Higher CIWA-Ar totals indicate more severe alcohol withdrawal signs and typically support more intensive supervised management and reassessment frequency.
Use in monitored withdrawal care pathways for patients at risk of alcohol withdrawal to trend severity and support protocolized treatment decisions.
The score depends on patient interaction and may be unreliable with severe confusion, communication barriers, or competing neurologic/medical causes of symptoms.
For related assessments, see AUDIT, CAGE and BAC Calculator.
Disclaimer: This tool is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with questions about your health.
Screen for hazardous and harmful alcohol use with the 10-question AUDIT. Scores range from 0 to 40 across four risk zones. For quick screening use [CAGE](/tools/cage).
Mental HealthQuick four-question alcohol screening using the CAGE questionnaire. A score of 2 or more suggests possible alcohol problems. For comprehensive screening, use [AUDIT](/tools/audit).
ClinicalEstimate blood alcohol concentration (BAC) from standard drinks, body weight, sex, and time since drinking started using a Widmark-style model. Screen for alcohol use disorder with [AUDIT](/tools/audit) or [CAGE Questionnaire](/tools/cage).