Topic Overview

The CAGE questionnaire is used to test for alcohol use disorder 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:^{footnote 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 disorder, talk with a health professional. Further evaluation by a trained alcohol use disorder counselor might be needed.