CAGE Questionnaire
Screens for problem drinking with four yes or no questions.
When to use
Rapid screening for problem drinking in adults as part of a broader clinical assessment.
Pearls and pitfalls
- CAGE stands for cut down, annoyed, guilty and eye opener, the four questions of the scale.
- Two or more positive answers make the screen positive but do not confirm dependence.
- A single positive answer already justifies a fuller drinking history.
- The scale was derived in hospitalized patients and does not replace diagnostic criteria or severity assessment.
0/4 points
Negative screen (0 or 1)
The scale does not exclude risky use; continue clinical assessment.
Formula
Add 1 point for each yes answer across the four questions; result from 0 to 4.
Evidence
Four item questionnaire proposed by Ewing for alcoholism detection in clinical practice, with a cutoff of two positive answers.
References
- Ewing JA. Detecting alcoholism. The CAGE questionnaire. JAMA. 1984;252(14):1905-1907. doi:10.1001/jama.1984.03350140051025
Frequently asked questions
What is CAGE Questionnaire?
Screens for problem drinking with four yes or no questions. Rapid screening for problem drinking in adults as part of a broader clinical assessment.
How is the result calculated?
Add 1 point for each yes answer across the four questions; result from 0 to 4.
How should the result be interpreted?
Four item questionnaire proposed by Ewing for alcoholism detection in clinical practice, with a cutoff of two positive answers.
What are the sources?
Ewing JA. Detecting alcoholism. The CAGE questionnaire. JAMA. 1984;252(14):1905-1907.