AKA: COWS
A scoring tool for measuring how severe opioid withdrawal symptoms are.
In the context of addiction treatment:
Guides when to start medications like buprenorphine and how to adjust doses.
What to know:
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Staff will ask about symptoms (nausea, sweating, anxiety) and observe signs (pupil size, gooseflesh).
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Scores help avoid starting certain meds too early and causing worse withdrawal.
Example:
A nurse checks COWS scores every few hours during detox to decide when to give the next dose of withdrawal medication.