SUDS
Also written as: SUDS — Subjective Units of Distress Scale
Subjective Units of Distress Scale, a self-report measure where clients rate their current level of distress or craving on a numerical scale.
Full Definition
SUDS (Subjective Units of Distress Scale) is a simple self-assessment tool where individuals rate their current level of subjective distress, anxiety, craving, or other symptoms on a scale, typically from 0 (no distress) to 10 or 100 (maximum distress). In addiction treatment, SUDS is commonly used to monitor craving intensity, emotional distress, or urges to use substances throughout treatment sessions or over time. This tool helps clients develop awareness of their internal states, track changes in symptom intensity, and communicate their experiences to treatment providers. SUDS ratings can inform treatment decisions and help evaluate intervention effectiveness.
Usage
Usage note: Always clarify the scale range being used (0-10 vs 0-100) when documenting SUDS ratings.
In Context
- "The client reported a SUDS rating of 8 for cocaine craving at the beginning of the session, which decreased to 3 by the end." — Therapy progress note
- "Weekly SUDS ratings showed a consistent decrease in anxiety levels throughout the treatment program." — Outcome measurement report