CAGE Questionnaire (CAGE) – Cut down on Alcohol: Get Educated

Description

The CAGE Questionnaire is a widely used screening tool for identifying potential problems with alcohol dependence. Developed by John A. Ewing in 1984, this concise four-question assessment focuses on behavioral and emotional aspects related to alcohol consumption. The acronym “CAGE” stands for the key prompts: Cut down, Annoyed, Guilty, and Eye-opener. Each question is designed to elicit responses that help gauge the individual’s relationship with alcohol, providing a starting point for further assessment or intervention. Given its straightforward nature and the importance of early detection in addressing alcohol use disorders, the CAGE Questionnaire is an essential instrument for healthcare professionals.

Authors and Contact Email

John A. Ewing, information not available.

Purpose

The purpose of the CAGE Questionnaire is to screen for potential alcohol use disorders by identifying behavioral cues and feelings associated with drinking. The tool helps in prompting conversations regarding alcohol consumption and determines whether a more comprehensive assessment or intervention is necessary.

Test Year

1984

Administration Method and Scoring

The CAGE Questionnaire can be administered verbally or in written format. Respondents answer each of the four questions with a simple “Yes” or “No.” A score of 2 or greater is typically considered indicative of potential alcohol use disorder, warranting further evaluation.

Reliability and Validity

The CAGE Questionnaire exhibits good reliability and validity in detecting alcohol dependence across various populations. Studies suggest it is effective in both clinical and non-clinical settings, making it a reliable tool for screening purposes.

Factors and Subscales

There are no specific subscales associated with the CAGE Questionnaire; however, each of the four items addresses distinct factors related to alcohol consumption and dependence.

Keywords

CAGE Questionnaire, Alcohol screening, Alcohol dependence, Behavioral assessment, John A. Ewing.

Items of CAGE Questionnaire

1. Have you ever felt you needed to Cut down on your drinking?
2. Have people Annoyed you by criticizing your drinking?
3. Have you ever felt Guilty about drinking?
4. Have you ever felt you needed a drink first thing in the morning (Eye-opener) to steady your nerves or to get rid of a hangover?

References

Ewing, John A. (1984). “Detecting Alcoholism: The CAGE Questionnaire.” JAMA: Journal of the American Medical Association, 252: 1905-1907.
Bernadt, MW; Mumford, J; Taylor, C; Smith, B; Murray, RM (1982). “Comparison of questionnaire and laboratory tests in the detection of excessive drinking and alcoholism.” Lancet 6 (8267): 325–8.
Bradley KA, Kivlahan DR, Bush KR, McDonell MB, Fihn SD. (2001). “Variations On The CAGE Alcohol Screening Questionnaire: Strengths And Limitations In VA General Medical Patients.”
More information can be found at: https://scales.arabpsychology.com/s/cage-questionnaire-cage/