10
Treatment
Table 2. Ambulatory (Level 1-WM and Level 2-WM) and
Inpatient Placement Considerations
Level 1-WM
Appropriate Neutral/Uncertain Inappropriate
Withdrawal
severity
Mild (e.g., CIWA-
Ar <10).
Moderate (e.g.,
CIWA-Ar
10–18).
Severe or
complicated (e.g.,
CIWA-Ar ≥19).
Concurrent
withdrawal or
physiological
dependence
Withdrawing
from other
substance(s).
Physiological
dependence on
opioids or OUD.
Physiological
dependence on
BZDs or BZD use
disorder.
Recent alcohol
consumption
Consumes >8
standard drinks
per day.
Alcohol
withdrawal history
Previous severe
withdrawal
episode.
Complicated
withdrawal >1
year ago.
Recent complicated
withdrawal
episode.
Treatment history
Other inpatient
need
Medical or
psychiatric
condition that
needs inpatient
treatment.
Biomedical
conditions and
complications
Older age.
History of epilepsy.
History of non-
alcohol related
seizure.
Clinically
significant
abnormal lab
results.
Moderate, active,
and potentially
destabilizing
medical problem.
Moderate to
severe active
and potentially
destabilizing
medical problem,
including unstable
chronic condition.
Suspected head
injury.
Unable to take oral
medications.
