CAGE Questionnaire for Alcohol Problems

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: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

1. 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 for CAGE Questionnaire for Alcohol Problems

Current as of: August 2, 2022

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

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