Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms – Rating Scale

An alternative scale is the Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms – Rating Scale (or Alcohol Withdrawal Scale, AWS) (see Appendix). Validation of the AWS has not been published; however it has been widely used in Australian conditions and is considered acceptable for use. An AWS score of up to 4 indicates mild withdrawal, 5 to 7 moderate withdrawal, 8 to 14 severe withdrawal, and 15 or more very severe withdrawal. Close monitoring is advised at least every 4 hours for those with mild withdrawal, and every 1-2 hours for severe withdrawal.