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CAGE Questions for Alcohol Use
Four-question screen for problem drinking and alcohol use disorder.
CAGE Questions for Alcohol Use
Felt you should Cut down on drinking
Felt Annoyed by criticism of your drinking
Felt Guilty about drinking
Had a morning Eye-opener drink
Result0 points
Low probability of alcohol use disorder based on this screen alone.
When to use
- Quick verbal screen for problem drinking in primary care, preoperative assessment, or hospital admission.
Formula
One point each for 4 yes/no questions (Cut down, Annoyed, Guilty, Eye-opener). Range 0-4; >=2 suggestive of alcoholism.
Pearls and pitfalls
- Not designed to quantify severity or withdrawal risk - a positive screen should prompt further history and, if relevant, a withdrawal risk assessment.