CAGE
Also written as: CAGE — Cut down, Annoyed, Guilty, Eye-opener
Brief screening questionnaire for alcohol problems using four key questions about cutting down, annoyance, guilt, and eye-openers.
Full Definition
A widely used brief screening tool for alcohol problems consisting of four questions: Have you ever felt you should Cut down on your drinking? Have people Annoyed you by criticizing your drinking? Have you ever felt bad or Guilty about your drinking? Have you ever had a drink first thing in the morning (Eye-opener) to steady your nerves or get rid of a hangover? Two or more positive responses suggest a possible alcohol problem requiring further assessment. While simple to administer, CAGE has limitations in detecting early-stage problems and may be less effective with certain populations.
Usage
Usage note: Always capitalize all letters; specify score numerically.
In Context
- "The client scored 3 out of 4 on the CAGE screening, indicating high probability of alcohol use disorder." — Initial screening report
- "CAGE results were positive, prompting comprehensive substance use assessment." — Triage documentation