Opiod Withdrawal Scale

Opioid addiction is one of the worst kind of addiction that one can have. That's because generally opioids are prescribed as painkillers, and these painkillers over the course of time take shape of addiction. 

What is an opioid withdrawal scale? 

Opioid withdrawal scale a.k.a clinical opiate withdrawal scale is 11 point scale that is used to measure the common symptoms of opioid withdrawal.  Each of the symptoms is given a score from 0 to 5. 0 being the mildest and 5 being the strongest symptom of the score. The symptoms that are checked on the scale are as follows:

Resting pulse rate: A resting pulse of 80 or below is given a score of zero while a resting pulse of 120 or higher is given a score of five.

Sweating:  Either nil sweating is observed or profuse sweating is observed.

Restlessness: Same here either the person is completely calm or extremely restless.

Pupil size: Pupils would either be completely dilated or constricted.

Gastrointestinal Upset:  At times vomiting and diarrhea may be present.

Bone and Joint Aches: Very commonly found in this addiction.

Tears and Running Noses: Generally, it is observed that people addicted to opioids have a running nose. Although this symptom might even be completely absent.

Tremors: Tremors may not be present, or they may be severe enough to interfere with a patient’s ability to speak or move.

Goosebumps: The skin may be smooth on one end of the scale and might have goosebumps on the other.

Anxiety: Addicts may show no sign of anxiety or irritability at all, or they may be so anxious or irritable that they struggle to participate in the assessment.

Yawning: Due to lack of oxygen in the brain and blood stream these symptoms might be visible.

These questions have to be answered on a scale from zero to 5.Based on the overall score the treating doctors are able to determine the seriousness of the addiction and accordingly plan the next step of the treatment.

Signs of Opioid Withdrawal :

• Low energy, Irritability, Anxiety, Agitation, Insomnia

• A runny nose, Teary eyes

• Hot and cold sweats, Goosebumps

• Yawning

• Muscle aches and pains

• Abdominal cramping, Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea