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CAGE Questions for Alcohol Use
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.