The CAGE full form stands for Cut down, Annoyed, Guilty, and Eye-opener. It is a widely used screening tool for alcohol abuse and dependence. The CAGE questionnaire consists of four simple questions that can help identify individuals who may have an alcohol problem.
The first question in the CAGE questionnaire is ‘Have you ever felt you should Cut down on your drinking?’ This question aims to determine if the person has ever thought about reducing their alcohol consumption. It can be an indicator of excessive drinking.
The second question is ‘Have people Annoyed you by criticizing your drinking?’ This question focuses on the individual’s social interactions and how their drinking habits may affect those around them. It can help identify if the person’s alcohol consumption is causing problems in their relationships.
The third question is ‘Have you ever felt Guilty about your drinking?’ This question aims to assess if the person feels remorse or guilt about their alcohol consumption. It can help identify if the person recognizes the negative consequences of their drinking habits.
The fourth and final question is ‘Have you ever had an Eye-opener to steady your nerves or get rid of a hangover?’ This question focuses on the person’s reliance on alcohol to cope with stress or manage withdrawal symptoms. It can help identify if the person is using alcohol as a coping mechanism.
The CAGE questionnaire is a quick and simple screening tool that can be used in various healthcare settings to identify individuals who may have an alcohol problem. It is important to note that a positive response to one or more of the CAGE questions does not necessarily mean that the person has an alcohol abuse or dependence disorder. It indicates the need for further assessment and evaluation.
Leave a Reply