CIWA-Ar Calculator

CIWA-Ar Calculator for Psychiatry. ASAM 2020 uses examples below 10, 10-18 and at least 19, but severity and placement depend on the clinical assessment. It cautions against diagnostic use and against use in delirium: https://www.asam.org/docs/default-source/quality-science/the_asam_clinical_practice_guideline_on_alcohol-1.pdf?sfvrsn=ba255c2_2%2C13%2C17%2C38.

For shared guidance on choosing a tool and documenting results, read the clinical calculator workflow.

How this calculator works

Check an existing total against the range of the original scale hosted by VA: https://www.ci2i.research.va.gov/paws/content/quiz.htm. The original instrument allows intermediate responses omitted by the previous page; this replacement accepts the complete external total rather than presenting a shortened imitation.

When to use this calculator

Review a documented alcohol-withdrawal assessment when CIWA-Ar is appropriate. First check whether the person could reliably participate and whether another illness may explain the findings.

Inputs used

  • Complete clinician-established CIWA-Ar total, 0-67
  • Assessment time and ability to participate, retained in the clinical record

Clinical interpretation

ASAM 2020 uses examples below 10, 10-18 and at least 19, but severity and placement depend on the clinical assessment. It cautions against diagnostic use and against use in delirium: https://www.asam.org/docs/default-source/quality-science/the_asam_clinical_practice_guideline_on_alcohol-1.pdf?sfvrsn=ba255c2_2%2C13%2C17%2C38.

Worked example

At 18 the display gives the ASAM moderate example band; at 19 it gives the severe example band. An entry of 8 after medication cannot, by itself, justify discharge. If the patient is delirious, entering a plausible number does not make CIWA-Ar suitable.

Limitations and safety notes

This page supplies no dose, withdrawal regimen or seizure prediction. The scale is a snapshot, and its validity depends on administration. A complete number can still arise from an inappropriate assessment.

Frequently asked questions

Why not fill unassessable symptoms with zero?

Zero is an observed rating, not a missing-data code. A person unable to participate needs a suitable clinical assessment, not an artificially low total.

References

  • https://www.ci2i.research.va.gov/paws/content/quiz.htm
  • https://www.asam.org/quality-care/clinical-guidelines/alcohol-withdrawal-management-guideline
  • https://www.asam.org/docs/default-source/quality-science/the_asam_clinical_practice_guideline_on_alcohol-1.pdf?sfvrsn=ba255c2_2%2C13%2C17%2C38

Editorial review and citation methodology

Maintained by the Quick Medical Calculator Editorial Team. Content record date: September 9, 2026. A content date is not evidence of independent clinical review. Individual clinical sign-off is not recorded on this page.

  • Prefer original validation studies for scoring systems and prediction tools.
  • Use current specialty society guidance, transplant allocation policy, public health guidance, or regulator resources when they govern clinical use.
  • Include limitations and safety notes when a calculator is population-specific, context-dependent, or unsuitable as a standalone decision tool.

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