Opiate Withdrawal Scale

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Dimension: Characteristics of use

Area

Craving and abstinence

Specificity

Illegal Drugs

Year

1987

Author

Bradley, B.P., Gossop, M., Philips, G.T. & Legarda, J.T.

Identification and Classification

Instrument: Opiate Withdrawal Scale
Acronym: OWS
Area: Craving and abstinence
Dimension: Characteristics of use
Specificity: Illegal Drugs
Objective: Designed to evaluate the intensity of opiate withdrawal symptoms.
Factors it measures: Withdrawal signs and symptoms
Year: 1987
Author: Bradley, B.P., Gossop, M., Philips, G.T. & Legarda, J.T.
Availability: Available at: https://www.drugabuse.gov/sites/default/files/files/ClinicalOpiateWithdrawalScale.pdf
Link: http://www.conadic.salud.gob.mx/pdfs/publicaciones/beb_III.pdf

Description

Abstract: It is a hetero-applied instrument of 32 items that represent the different signs and symptoms that may occur during withdrawal.
Psychometric characteristics: Instrument with adequate validity and reliability in their English versions.
No. of items: 32
Way of administration: Semistructured interview
Way of qualification: Each sign / symptom is evaluated using a 4-point intensity scale (absent, 0; mild, 1; moderate; 2, severe, 3). There are no cutoffs established: the higher the score, the greater severity of withdrawal.
Application context: Clinical
Population: Adults with opiate dependence
References: Bradley, B.P., Gossop, M., Philips, G.T. & Legarda, J.T. (1987). The development of an Opiate Withdrawal Scale (OWS). Br J Addict 82: 1139-1142