The CAGE Questionnaire Calculator is a clinical tool used to screen for potential alcohol use disorder and identify individuals who may have problems with alcohol consumption. The CAGE questionnaire is a simple, four-question survey that helps healthcare providers assess whether a person’s drinking habits might be problematic and if further evaluation or intervention is needed. It is widely used in primary care, mental health, and substance abuse treatment settings due to its simplicity, effectiveness, and ability to quickly identify individuals at risk of alcohol dependence.
The CAGE acronym represents the key themes of the four questions in the questionnaire:
- C – Cut Down: “Have you ever felt you should cut down on your drinking?” This question identifies whether the individual has ever considered reducing their alcohol intake, suggesting awareness of potential overuse.
- A – Annoyed: “Have people annoyed you by criticizing your drinking?” This question explores the reactions of others to the individual’s drinking, indicating that it may be noticeable and concerning to those around them.
- G – Guilty: “Have you ever felt bad or guilty about your drinking?” This question assesses the individual’s personal feelings of guilt or regret related to their alcohol consumption, which can reflect recognition of harmful drinking patterns.
- E – Eye-opener: “Have you ever had a drink first thing in the morning to steady your nerves or get rid of a hangover (an eye-opener)?” This question identifies whether the individual relies on alcohol to function normally, which is a strong indicator of dependence.
Each “yes” response scores 1 point, and the total score ranges from 0 to 4.
- Score 0-1: Suggests a low risk of alcohol use disorder, but clinical judgment should still be used based on individual circumstances.
- Score 2 or more: Indicates a higher risk of alcohol use disorder, warranting further evaluation and possibly more comprehensive assessment or intervention.
To use the CAGE Questionnaire Calculator, the healthcare provider administers the four questions to the individual. The responses are then entered into the calculator, which sums the scores to provide a total. The score helps guide the next steps in the clinical evaluation, including whether to refer the individual for additional screening, counseling, or treatment for alcohol use disorder.
Interpreting the CAGE score is straightforward: a score of 2 or more suggests the need for further evaluation for alcohol-related problems. Although the CAGE Questionnaire is not diagnostic, it serves as a highly effective initial screening tool. If the score is high, a more detailed assessment using structured diagnostic tools, such as the AUDIT (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test) or a full clinical interview, may be recommended to confirm the presence and extent of an alcohol use disorder.
The CAGE Questionnaire Calculator is valued for its brevity and ease of use, making it ideal for use in various healthcare settings, including busy primary care practices. It provides a quick snapshot of an individual’s relationship with alcohol, helping to identify those who might benefit from further support or intervention.
