Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment for Alcohol (CIWA-Ar)

The Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment for Alcohol (CIWA-Ar) is a standardized tool used by healthcare providers to measure the severity of alcohol withdrawal symptoms. It involves a clinical interview and physical assessment, rating symptoms like tremors, sweating, nausea, anxiety, agitation, and seizures on a scale. This helps determine how intense a person's withdrawal is and guides treatment decisions, including medication management. The goal is to safely manage withdrawal, prevent complications, and monitor progress during detoxification.