Withdrawal severity predictor
Simplified alcohol and opioid withdrawal scoring, informed by CIWA-Ar and COWS. UK next-step guidance.
All scoring runs in your browser.
Common questions
Is this a CIWA-Ar or COWS score?▾
It's informed by both, simplified for self-assessment. Formal CIWA-Ar (alcohol) and COWS (opioid) scoring is done by a clinician observing physical signs. Use this to gauge whether you're likely in mild, moderate or severe territory — not as a substitute for clinical assessment.
What score means I need an inpatient detox?▾
For alcohol: any history of withdrawal seizures or delirium tremens, or currently drinking 30+ units per day with tremor when not drinking, points to inpatient detox. For opioids: severity alone doesn't force inpatient — poly-drug use, unstable housing, or previous failed community detox are stronger indicators.
Is unsupervised withdrawal dangerous?▾
Alcohol and benzodiazepine withdrawal can be fatal (seizures, DTs). Opioid withdrawal is severe but not usually life-threatening — the main danger is post-detox overdose because tolerance has dropped.
Related
Not a diagnostic tool. If you have any history of withdrawal seizures or delirium tremens, do not attempt home detox — inpatient detox is safer.