Topic Overview
The CAGE questionnaire is used to test for alcohol
abuse and
dependence 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:1
- Have you ever felt that you ought to
Cut down on your drinking?
- Do you get
Annoyed by criticism of your drinking?
- Do
you ever feel Guilty about your drinking?
- Do
you ever take an Early-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 problem, talk with a health professional.
Further evaluation by a trained alcohol abuse 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
| By | Healthwise Staff |
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| Primary Medical Reviewer | E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine |
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| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Lisa S. Weinstock, MD - Psychiatry |
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| Last Revised | July 11, 2011 |
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Last Revised:
July 11, 2011
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.