Have you ever wondered what questions to ask to determine if someone is having a problem with alcohol? These 4 questions are a good starting place to assess next steps to take for help. CAGE takes the first letter of certain words in each question to determine to spell out CAGE: 1) CUT down, 2) ANNOYED, 3) GUILTY, 4) EYE OPENER. Please check the one response to each item that best describes how you have felt and behaved over your whole life.
1. Have you ever felt you should cut down on your drinking?
• Yes
• No
2. Have people annoyed you by criticizing your drinking?
• Yes
• No
3. Have you ever felt bad or guilty about your drinking?
• Yes
• No
4. Have you ever had a drink first thing in the morning to steady your nerves or get rid of a hangover (eye-opener)?
• Yes
• No
Any question answered “YES” warrants additional assessment. Feel free to call if you have any questions or concerns.
