What is The CIWA Protocol For Alcohol Withdrawal?

Alcohol withdrawal protocol ciwa
Updated July 5, 2023
Updated July 5, 2023
Picture of Authored By:

Authored By:

Joe Gilmore

Picture of Edited By:

Edited By:

Amy Leifeste

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Medically Reviewed By:

Javier Rodriguez-Winter

Picture of Authored By:

Authored By:

Joe Gilmore

Picture of Edited By:

Edited By:

Amy Leifeste

Picture of Medically Reviewed By:

Medically Reviewed By:

Javier Rodriguez-Winter

Alcohol withdrawal protocol ciwa

The CIWA protocol, also known as the Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment for Alcohol scale, is a questionnaire used to assess the severity of alcohol withdrawal symptoms and guide treatment decisions. This protocol enables healthcare professionals to manage alcohol withdrawal and ensure the safety and well-being of those undergoing detoxification. It helps medical professionals monitor symptoms, determine appropriate interventions, and provide the right level of support throughout the alcohol withdrawal process.

The CIWA alcohol withdrawal protocol enables healthcare professionals to manage alcohol withdrawal and ensure the safety and well-being of those undergoing detoxification. It helps medical professionals monitor symptoms, determine appropriate interventions, and provide the right level of support throughout the alcohol withdrawal process.

In this brief guide, you will learn:

  • What is CIWA protocol?
  • What is involved in a CIWA assessment?
  • What CIWA protocol medications are used during alcohol detox?
  • What do CIWA scores mean?
  • How can you connect with alcohol detox and addiction treatment in Southern California?

The CIWA Protocol Clinical History

CIWA stands for Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment for Alcohol. When the CIWA protocol was created, the assessment included thirty items. CIWA-Ar is an enhanced and abbreviated version of the scale that includes ten items and aims to provide a more objective assessment of alcohol withdrawal symptoms. This revised scale, developed at the Addiction Research Foundation (now Center for Addiction and Mental Health), is widely utilized as a first-line alcohol withdrawal assessment tool.

an image of someone taking the CIWA protocol

What is The CIWA Protocol Used For?

The CIWA protocol is mainly used for evaluating and monitoring alcohol withdrawal symptoms in those who are detoxing after becoming physically dependent on alcohol. CIWA provides a standardized method for healthcare professionals to evaluate the severity of alcohol withdrawal symptoms and make appropriate treatment recommendations. A CIWA-Ar assessment helps identify the need for medication interventions – administering benzodiazepines for example – to manage symptoms and maximize safety and comfort during the alcohol withdrawal process.

The CIWA protocol can be applied in both inpatient and outpatient settings, enabling healthcare providers to tailor treatment intensity based on the alcohol withdrawal score obtained. Higher scores may indicate the need for more intensive interventions like intravenous fluids or medications, while lower scores may warrant less intensive interventions. In addition to evaluating symptom severity, this protocol facilitates monitoring response to treatment. Given the potentially life-threatening risks associated with severe withdrawal symptoms, seeking medical attention and support will streamline detoxification.

CIWA-AR Assessment Scoring

CIWA scoring is a simple process that can be conducted by trained healthcare professionals in just a few minutes. 

First, the patient is asked about the intensity of their symptoms for specific items. Next, the healthcare provider closely monitors the patient for indications of withdrawal and assesses the severity of each indication on a scale ranging from 0 to 7. The overall score is computed by summing up the scores assigned to all ten items.

 The scale evaluates ten common symptoms and signs of alcohol withdrawal, including:

  1. Nausea and vomiting
  2. Tremors
  3. Sweating
  4. Agitation
  5. Anxiety
  6. Tactile disturbances
  7. Visual disturbances
  8. Auditory disturbances
  9. Headache
  10. Orientation and clouded senses

CIWA protocol guidelines involve a scoring system ranging from 0 to 7 for all items except orientation – this is scored from 0 to 4. Higher scores indicate more severe symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. The assessment can be completed in two minutes, combining self-reported symptoms and observable signs. The following score ranges provide an interpretation of the severity of withdrawal:

  • 7 or below: Minimal to mild alcohol withdrawal
  • 8 to 15: Moderate alcohol withdrawal
  • 16 or more: Severe alcohol withdrawal with potential for DTs (delirium tremens)

Treatment Guidelines for CIWA Protocol

The treatment recommendations for the CIWA protocol are determined by the severity of the patient’s symptoms.

  1. Mild symptoms: Supportive care that involves close monitoring and IV fluids may be sufficient.
  2. Moderate symptoms: More intensive interventions like sedation and IV medications may be indicated.
  3. Severe symptoms: Inpatient treatment to ensure safety and provide appropriate management is usually advisable.
an image of people who have taken the CIWA protocol

Get Treatment for Alcohol Addiction and Withdrawal at California Detox

If you are struggling with physical dependence or addiction to alcohol, prescription medications, or illicit drugs, California Detox in Laguna Beach has a range of treatment programs available. 

Our supervised alcohol detox program offers access to medications that can help ease withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings. Once detox is complete, you can transition into an inpatient program at our luxury beachside rehab.

At California Detox, we prioritize personalized treatment plans that incorporate science-backed interventions and holistic therapies to comprehensively address addiction recovery. Our treatment options include: 

If you’re in need of immediate assistance, please call our admissions team at 949.694.8305.

FAQs

A CIWA score of 10 or less means that pharmacological treatment is not normally required.
The CIWA test, or Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment for Alcohol, is used to assess and monitor the severity of alcohol withdrawal symptoms in individuals undergoing detoxification.

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