CAGE: Screening for Alcoholism

Screening for Alcohol Abuse (CAGE)

Buchsbaum DG, Buchanan RG, et al. (1991).
" Screening for Alcohol Abuse Using CAGE Scores and Likelhood Ratios."
Ann Intern Med 115(10): 774-7.

Important CPR Information

Have you ever felt you should cut down on your drinking? Yes   No

Have people annoyed you by criticizing your drinking? Yes   No

Have you ever felt guilty or bad about drinking? Yes   No

Have you ever had a drink first thing in the morning to steady
your nerves or to get rid of a hangover? Yes   No
Estimated prevalence of alcoholism in your patient population? 10%   20%   36%

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CAGE Score
Probability of Alcoholism

CPR Information

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Study Population:
- over 18 years of age
- English speaking
- ambulatory medicine clinic patients for a new or follow-up visit
Use in screening, not in known alcoholics
Rule less accurate when used immediately after direct questioning regarding alcohol use.
Must ask the questions in a nonjudgemental way.
Level 2: prospective validation

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Have you ever felt you should cut down on your drinking?	Yes No
Have people annoyed you by criticizing your drinking?	Yes No
Have you ever felt guilty or bad about drinking?	Yes No
Have you ever had a drink first thing in the morning to steady your nerves or to get rid of a hangover?	Yes No