Alcohol Addiction CAGE Questionnaire | Alcohol Abuse Screening Test

 

What is the ‘CAGE Questionnaire?’

The CAGE questionnaire is a widely recognised screening tool designed to help identify potential alcohol-related issues. Despite consisting of just four simple questions, its effectiveness lies in its ability to quickly assess whether alcohol consumption is having a negative impact on a person’s life. The name CAGE comes from the four key areas the questionnaire addresses: Cutting down, Annoyance, Guilt, and Eye-opener, making it easy for healthcare professionals to remember and apply.

Although the questionnaire had been used informally in medical discussions, it was officially published in The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) in 1984. This publication led to its widespread adoption by mental health experts and addiction specialists, solidifying its role as a key screening tool for alcohol-related concerns.

The four key questions in the CAGE Questionnaire

The CAGE questionnaire prompts individuals to reflect on their drinking habits by asking whether they have ever:

  1. Felt the need to cut back on alcohol consumption.
  2. Been annoyed by others commenting on their drinking habits.
  3. Experienced feelings of guilt related to drinking.
  4. Had a drink first thing in the morning (an “eye-opener”) to cope with a hangover or function properly.

Understanding the results of the CAGE Questionnaire

It’s important to note that the CAGE questionnaire is a screening tool, not a formal diagnosis. If your answers suggest a possible problem, it doesn’t automatically mean you have an alcohol use disorder. Instead, it indicates that further evaluation by a medical professional may be beneficial.

Support is available at Linwood House

If your responses raise concerns about your drinking habits, help is available. The NHS provides free addiction services, although waiting lists can sometimes be long. To explore options in your area, consider speaking with your GP about NHS-funded support.

For those who need immediate assistance, Linwood House in Barnsley, South Yorkshire offers urgent admissions, 24/7 care, and structured treatment programmes. A private rehab setting can provide a safe, supportive environment that allows for intensive recovery support tailored to individual needs.

If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol dependency, reach out to Linwood House today for a free consultation and start your journey toward recovery.