CAGE Questionnaire for Alcohol Problems

• Topic Overview
• Related Information
• References

Topic Overview

The CAGE questionnaire is used to test for alcohol abuse and dependence 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 Cut down on your drinking?
• Do you get Annoyed by criticism of your drinking?
• Do you ever feel Guilty about your drinking?
• Do you ever take an Early-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 problem, talk with a health professional. Further evaluation by a trained alcohol abuse counselor might be needed.

Related Information

• Social Anxiety Disorder

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.