Description of the Questionnaire

The DETOX Questionnaire of Hatzikosta Hospital of Ioannina is a clinically validated assessment tool designed to evaluate and monitor the severity of withdrawal symptoms in patients undergoing alcohol cessation. It consists of ten specific clinical parameters scored by a healthcare professional through observation and clinical interview. The tool is used to guide therapeutic decisions such as pharmacological intervention and to monitor the course of detoxification.

Objective

The objective of the DETOX Questionnaire is to provide a reliable, objective, and reproducible method for quantifying alcohol withdrawal symptoms in order to identify serious clinical manifestations early, such as delirium or seizures, assess the need for medical intervention, and ensure patient safety throughout the detoxification process.

Data Analysis and Use

The questionnaire includes ten parameters: nausea and vomiting, tremor, anxiety or nervousness, seizures, agitation, auditory hallucinations, visual hallucinations, tactile hallucinations, headache or pressure in the head, and orientation/cognitive status. Each parameter is scored from 0 to 7, except for orientation, which is scored from 0 to 4. The total score is calculated by summing the individual scores. Repeated assessments (e.g., every four hours) allow for dynamic monitoring and timely adjustment of the therapeutic approach. Collected data can be stored digitally for statistical analysis, evaluation of treatment effectiveness, and optimization of detoxification protocols.

Scoring

The total score categorizes the severity of withdrawal symptoms and informs the therapeutic approach. A score between 0 and 9 indicates mild withdrawal that usually does not require pharmacological intervention. A score between 10 and 19 indicates moderate withdrawal, and medical treatment may be necessary. A score of 20 or above indicates severe withdrawal, and immediate medical intervention is recommended due to an increased risk of complications.

Bibliography

Sullivan JT, Sykora K, Schneiderman J, Naranjo CA, Sellers EM. Assessment of alcohol withdrawal: the revised Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment for Alcohol scale (CIWA‑Ar). British Journal of Addiction, 1989. Mayo Clinic Proceedings. Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome, 2004. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA). World Health Organization (WHO), Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT).