Topic Overview
The CAGE questionnaire is used to test for alcohol use disorder in adults. It is not used to diagnose the disease but only to show whether a problem might exist.
The CAGE questionnaire consists of four questions that relate to your use of alcohol:footnote 1
- Have you ever felt that you ought to C ut down on your drinking?
- Do you get A nnoyed by criticism of your drinking?
- Do you ever feel G uilty about your drinking?
- Do you ever take an E arly-morning drink (eye-opener) to get the day started or to get rid of a hangover ("a little hair of the dog that bit you")?
If you answer "yes," "sometimes," or "often" to 2 or more of the questions, you might have a problem with alcohol. If you think you or someone you care about has an alcohol use disorder, talk with a health professional. Further evaluation by a trained alcohol use disorder counselor might be needed.
References
Citations
- Saitz R, et al. (2003). Addressing alcohol problems in primary care: A cluster randomized, controlled trial of a systems intervention. Annals of Internal Medicine, 138: 372–382.
Credits
Current as of: August 21, 2019
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine
Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine
Martin J. Gabica MD - Family Medicine
Lisa S. Weinstock MD - Psychiatry
Christine R. Maldonado PhD - Behavioral Health
Current as of: August 21, 2019
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine & Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & Martin J. Gabica MD - Family Medicine & Lisa S. Weinstock MD - Psychiatry & Christine R. Maldonado PhD - Behavioral Health
Saitz R, et al. (2003). Addressing alcohol problems in primary care: A cluster randomized, controlled trial of a systems intervention.
Annals of Internal Medicine, 138: 372-382.