CAGE Questionnaire for Alcohol Addiction | Alcohol Abuse Screening Test

 

Understanding the CAGE questionnaire

If you’re concerned about your alcohol consumption or that of a loved one, the CAGE questionnaire is a widely recognised tool designed to help identify potential alcohol-related issues. Used by healthcare professionals and individuals alike, this four-question screening test provides a quick and effective way to assess whether alcohol use may be problematic.

What is the CAGE questionnaire?

The CAGE questionnaire is a brief screening tool developed to evaluate drinking behaviours and the potential for alcohol dependency. The name CAGE is derived from the four key areas the test explores:

  • Cutting down: Have you ever felt the need to cut back on your drinking?
  • Annoyance: Have others criticised your drinking, and has it annoyed you?
  • Guilt: Have you ever felt guilty about your alcohol consumption?
  • Eye-opener: Have you ever had a drink first thing in the morning to steady your nerves or ease a hangover?

Each “yes” response scores one point, and a total of two or more points may indicate a potential alcohol use disorder, suggesting that further professional evaluation could be beneficial.

Why is the CAGE questionnaire important?

The CAGE questionnaire is a quick and accessible tool used by mental health professionals, GPs, and addiction specialists to identify individuals who may need help with their drinking habits. While it is not a formal diagnosis, it serves as an early indicator that alcohol use could be negatively impacting an individual’s life.

If you or someone you care about answers “yes” to two or more questions, seeking guidance from a professional could be a crucial next step.

Seeking support at Recovery Lighthouse

At Recovery Lighthouse, we understand that recognising an alcohol problem can be difficult. Whether you’ve taken the CAGE questionnaire yourself or are concerned about a loved one, our team is here to support you.

We offer:

    • Comprehensive alcohol assessments to better understand your situation.
  • Personalised treatment programmes, including detox and rehabilitation.
  • A compassionate approach to help you regain control of your life.

If your results from the CAGE questionnaire suggest a possible alcohol dependency, you don’t have to face this alone. Contact Recovery Lighthouse today for a free consultation and take the first step towards recovery.