Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment

The Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment (CIWA) is a tool used by healthcare professionals to evaluate and monitor the severity of alcohol withdrawal symptoms in patients. It involves a checklist of common symptoms like sweating, shaking, nausea, anxiety, and tremors. The scores from this assessment help clinicians determine how intense the withdrawal is and guide appropriate treatment, such as medication or supportive care. Regular assessments ensure patient safety by tracking changes over time, allowing for timely interventions and preventing potentially dangerous complications associated with alcohol withdrawal.