Clinical Opioid Withdrawal Scale more commonly known as COWS is a method used to measure opioid withdrawal symptoms for both inpatients and outpatients. This intricate scaling system allows the analysis of patient condition. Each question in this test provides the opportunity for the practitioner to identify the severity and the type of opioid withdrawal symptoms being experienced by the patient. As shown in table 1 below these are the examinable topics which are generally rated a number between 0 to 4 depending on the patient's current condition. In some COWS, a rating of 5 can also be given (shown in the table 1 below). The annotated table lists the signs and symptoms that are being monitored at score 0 and 4. However, it is important to consider that the numbers 1,2 and 3 are also awarded depending on the type and severity of signs and symptoms being experienced by the patient.
