Brief Alcohol Withdrawal Scale (BAWS)

BAWS <3: 

Give diazepam 5 mg orally as needed for mild withdrawal or anxiety.

• Every 4 hrs up to 6 doses (day 1).
• Every 6 hrs up to 4 doses (day 2).
• Every 8 hrs up to 3 doses (day 3).

Reassess BAWS every 4 hrs for 24 hrs, then every 6 hrs.

BAWS 3-5:

Give diazepam 10 mg orally every 4 hrs until BAWS <3 (up to 10 doses).

Reassess BAWS every 4 hrs.

BAWS 6-8:

Give diazepam 20 mg orally every 2 hrs until BAWS <6 (up to 3 doses).

If the patient has not received any benzodiazepines, give an initial dose of 10 mg.

Reassess BAWS every 2 hrs; notify physician if BAWS >5 after 6hrs.

BAWS >8:

Give diazepam 20 mg orally and notify physician.