Subjective Opioid Withdrawal Scale (SOWS)
SOWS: Subjective Opioid Withdrawal Scale.
Author/Developer / Address: Handelsman, L., Cochrane, K. J., Aronson, M. J.,
Publication dates: 1987
Description / Type of Assessment: Subjective Opioid Withdrawal Scale. Self-administered scale for grading opioid withdrawal symptoms. It contains 16 symptoms whose intensity the patient rates on a scale of 0 (not at all) to 4 (extremely).
Primary use / Purpose: Screening/Evaluation. Measuring the signs and symptoms of opiate withdrawal.
Domains measured / Life Areas / Problems Assessed: Evaluation, Screening, Treatment
Population: Patients with dependence or addiction to opioids.
Administration / Completion Time: less than 10 minutes
Scoring Procedures: less than 10 minutes
Scoring Time: less than 10 minutes
Credentials/Training: it is a self-administered scale
Languages: English, Dutch
Availability / Inquiries: Handelsman, L., Cochrane, K. J., Aronson, M. J.
Practicability / usefulness: This scale is demonstrated to be a valid and reliable indicator of the severity of the opiate withdrawal syndrome over a wide range of common signs and symptoms.
