Measuring Pain: The Key To Effective Opiate Withdrawal Recovery
How does the Clinical Opiate Withdrawal Scale help clinicians assess withdrawal symptoms in patients recovering from opiate addiction? Our counsellors are here to help you today.
FREE ASSESSMENT082 747 3422The clinical opiate withdrawal scale is used by clinicians to determine the severity of opiate withdrawal symptoms. COWS is utilised by healthcare professionals to assess the severity of withdrawal symptoms in individuals recovering from opiate addiction. It provides a systematic method to evaluate withdrawal symptoms objectively and determine the appropriate treatment interventions. By utilising this scale, doctors and clinicians can develop tailored plans to ease withdrawal discomfort and enhance the success of recovery.
The total score out will be used in the assessment of patients opiate withdrawal symptoms and can be used to adjust detoxification medication.
The scoring is as follows:
5-12 symptoms: mild
13-24 symptoms: moderate
25-36 symptoms: moderate to severe
36+ symptoms: severe
This scale was first introduced in the early 2000s as an improvement over previous subjective measurements of withdrawal symptoms. Its development and implementation aimed to establish a consistent and reliable system that healthcare providers could use across different treatment settings. By utilising the COWS, healthcare professionals can gauge the intensity of withdrawal symptoms accurately.
The assessment involves measuring physical signs such as heart rate, sweating, restlessness, pupil size, gastrointestinal symptoms and more. By assigning numerical values to these symptoms, healthcare providers can calculate a total score to determine the severity of withdrawal. Further to that the scoring system enables clinicians to monitor the progression of withdrawal and make necessary adjustments to the treatment plan.
By implementing COWS, healthcare professionals can provide evidence-based care and evaluate the effectiveness of various treatment interventions. This makes the scale a valuable tool in enhancing the quality of addiction treatment and promoting successful recovery outcomes.
How does the Clinical Opiate Withdrawal Scale help clinicians assess withdrawal symptoms in patients recovering from opiate addiction? Get help from qualified counsellors.Measuring Pain: The Key To Effective Opiate Withdrawal Recovery
Addiction treatment centres offer specialised services to aid individuals in recovering from substance abuse and…
The more popular term “Psychotherapy” or “talk therapy“, encompasses several therapeutic approaches designed to assist…
In addiction recovery, a sponsor is an experienced individual who provides guidance and support to…
How can individuals in recovery rebuild trust and strengthen their relationships with loved ones affected by their addiction?
What are the common symptoms of paranoid schizophrenia, and how do genetic, environmental, and substance-related factors contribute to its onset?
Inpatient Rehab
Rehab care is a good option if you are at risk of experiencing strong withdrawal symptoms when you try stop a substance. This option would also be recommended if you have experienced recurrent relapses or if you have tried a less-intensive treatment without success.
Outpatient
If you're committed to your sobriety but cannot take a break from your daily duties for an inpatient program. Outpatient rehab treatment might suit you well if you are looking for a less restricted format for addiction treatment or simply need help with mental health.
Therapy
Therapy can be good step towards healing and self-discovery. If you need support without disrupting your routine, therapy offers a flexible solution for anyone wishing to enhance their mental well-being or work through personal issues in a supportive, confidential environment.
Mental Health
Are you having persistent feelings of being swamped, sad or have sudden surges of anger or intense emotional outbursts? These are warning signs of unresolved trauma mental health. A simple assesment by a mental health expert could provide valuable insights into your recovery.
Is My Loved One Addicted?
Your responses are private and not stored.
It’s Professional.
Clinically grounded
Clear, practical guides on addiction and recovery, based on recognised treatment principles and South African experience.
Therapy for addictionIt’s Affordable.
Straight talk on costs
We unpack typical fees, medical-aid issues, and funding options so you can compare treatment choices without sales pressure.
Paying for treatmentIt’s Convenient.
On your terms
Short explainers, checklists, and FAQs you can read, save, and share in your own time, from any device.
What to expect in rehabIt’s Effective.
Better decisions
We focus on evidence-based guidance and honest discussion of risks, relapse, and family impact to support long-term recovery.
Evidence-based