Marcus Greatheart MD MSW on Instagram: "Alcohol vs Opioid Withdrawal Explained: CIWA and COWS in Plain Language A behind-the-scenes look at how ER teams measure alcohol and opioid withdrawal using CIWA and COWS. CIWA helps staff track alcohol withdrawal to prevent seizures and confusion. COWS helps staff measure opioid withdrawal so treatment like buprenorphine is timed safely. Understanding the difference changes how patients are monitored and treated in emergency care."