CAGE
Alcohol Use Disorder Screening
Four blunt questions — 2+ yes flags a problem.
Memory aids matter when a 10-minute primary care visit needs to flag substance use without derailing into a long interview. CAGE asks four blunt questions: have you felt the need to Cut down, been Annoyed by criticism of your drinking, felt Guilty about it, or used a morning Eye-opener? Two or more yes answers is a positive screen and should drive a fuller AUDIT or DSM-5 assessment. The AANP exam treats CAGE as the entry tool — sensitive enough to catch most alcohol use disorder, brief enough to fit a wellness visit. Know the cutoff and what comes next when it screens positive.
- CCut downHave you ever felt you should cut down on your drinking?
- AAnnoyedHave people annoyed you by criticizing your drinking?
- GGuiltyHave you ever felt guilty about drinking?
- EEye-openerHave you ever had a drink first thing in the morning to steady nerves or treat a hangover?
Clinical Context
Four yes/no questions; ≥2 positive is 93% sensitive for alcohol use disorder in primary care. Takes under a minute and fits into any visit.
CAGE identifies probable AUD but doesn''t quantify drinking. Pair with AUDIT-C (frequency, typical amount, heavy-drinking episodes) for volume, and with a focused history to distinguish current vs. past problem drinking. USPSTF recommends routine alcohol screening in all adults; CAGE is one accepted tool.
Related Mnemonics
- CIWA-Ar — Alcohol Withdrawal Severity
- CRAFFT — Adolescent Substance Use Screen
- DIG FAST — Manic Episode Criteria (DSM-5)
- HEADSS — Adolescent Psychosocial Assessment
- SAD PERSONS — Suicide Risk Assessment
Sources
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