Subjective opiate withdrawal scale and toxicological screening in Malaysian opioid drug addicts
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2-1-2021
Abstract
The use of opioids is a major problem worldwide. There is a compelling need for the process of evaluation, screening, and therapy to be carried out continuously. Aim: The aim of this study has been to find baseline characteristics, together with the results of toxicological screening and the Subjective Opiate Withdrawal Scale (SOWS) as applied to Malaysian opioid drug addicts. Methods: This has been a descriptive cross-sectional study, involving the interviewing of 85 respondents from methadone clinics in Malaysia, about the characteristics of drug users, recruited by using a convenient sampling method. Results: In this study, the highest percentage of drug abusers was found within the 41-50 year age group. There were more male subjects than female ones. Within the study sample 74.6% were employed. There were positive results for opiates, amphetamine, methamphetamine, benzodiazepine, and THC. Conclusions: Illicit drug use was found in methadone therapy patients. In this study the SOWS questionnaire showed that drug abusers had low scores.
Keywords
SOWS, Screening, Opioid
Divisions
fac_med
Funders
Indonesia Endowment Fund for Education (LPDP)
Publication Title
Heroin Addiction and Related Clinical Problems
Volume
23
Issue
1
Publisher
Pacini Editore
Publisher Location
VIA DELLA GHERARDESCA-ZONA INDUSTRIALE OSPEDALETTO, 56121 PISA, ITALY