Subjective Opiate Withdrawal Scale (SOWS)

SUBJECTIVE OPIATE WITHDRAWAL SCALE (SOWS) Ratings (how you feel NOW): 0 = Not at all 1 = A little 2 = Moderately 3 = Quite a bit 4 = Extremely 0 : I feel anxious. 0 : I feel like yawning. 0 : I am perspiring. 0 : My eyes are teary. 0 : My nose is running. 0 : I have goosebumps. 0 : I am shaking. 0 : I have hot flushes. 0 : I have cold flushes. 0 : My bones and muscles ache. 0 : I feel restless. 0 : I feel nauseous. 0 : I feel like vomiting. 0 : My muscles twitch. 0 : I have stomach cramps. 0 : I feel like using now. Total score: Score Interpretation: 1-10 = Mild withdrawal 11-20 = Moderate withdrawal 21+ = Severe withdrawal

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Notes

The 16 item Subjective opiate withdrawal scale (SOWS) is a client-reported Assessmentof the presence and intensity of opiate withdrawal symptoms. The SOWS is designed to complement the Objective opiate withdrawal scale (OOWS).

References

1. Handelsman, L., Cochrane, K., Aronson, M., et al. Two new rating scales for opiate withdrawal. American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, 1987. 13(3): 293-308.

Related items

• Objective opiate withdrawal scale (OOWS)
• Opioid therapy monitoring tool (5As)