Brief Alcohol Withdrawal Scale (BAWS)
Brief validated tool for assessing alcohol withdrawal severity in clinical settings. Assesses 8 domains. Score ≥5 suggests significant withdrawal requiring pharmacological management.
Score interpretation
BAWS 0–4 — mild alcohol withdrawal
→ Oral hydration, thiamine 100 mg IM/IV, close monitoring; consider PRN benzodiazepine; no routine scheduled benzodiazepines needed
BAWS 5–9 — moderate alcohol withdrawal
→ Scheduled benzodiazepines (e.g., diazepam or chlordiazepoxide reducing regimen); thiamine 200–500 mg IV; monitor 4-hourly; reassess after each dose
BAWS ≥10 — severe alcohol withdrawal / delirium tremens risk
→ Medical emergency: IV benzodiazepines (diazepam 10 mg IV PRN, titrated); thiamine 500 mg IV TDS × 3 days; HDU/ICU admission; seizure precautions; correct electrolytes (Mg, K, phosphate)
Interpretation bands for the BAWS. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.
References
- Elholm B et al. The Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome: socio-demographic characteristics and the nature and severity of withdrawal symptoms. Alcohol Alcoholism. 2011;46(5):570–576.
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
- Acute Behavioural Disturbance / Rapid Tranquillisation · RCEM 2022; RCPsych 2022; NICE NG10
- Self-Harm Presentation · NICE NG225 (2022)
- Capacity Assessment (Mental Capacity Act) · MCA 2005; Code of Practice
- Acute Psychosis Management · NICE CG178 2014
- Depression Management · NICE CG90 2022
- Lithium Therapy Monitoring · NICE CG185
Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.