Which four-question screening tool uses the letters C-A-G-E to screen for potential alcohol problems?

Which four-question screening tool uses the letters C-A-G-E to screen for potential alcohol problems?

• A. AUDIT
• B. CRAFFT
• C. CAGE
• D. SCALES

Answer: (C)

This four-question screening tool is designed for a quick check of potential alcohol problems. It uses an acronym to guide four simple questions that focus on patterns people might not realize are warning signs: whether they feel they should cut down, whether others criticize their drinking, whether they feel guilty about it, and whether they ever drink first thing in the morning to steady nerves or shake off a hangover (the “eye-opener”). Because these questions target common indicators of problematic drinking in just a minute or so, two or more “yes” answers typically signal a need for a more thorough assessment. This tool is favored for its brevity and ease of use in fast-paced settings like primary care or school counseling, where a quick screen can prompt further evaluation. Other screening tools exist that are longer or aimed at different populations (for example, adolescent-focused tools or more comprehensive assessments). But the four-question CAGE screen specifically uses these prompts to flag potential alcohol problems efficiently.

This four-question screening tool is designed for a quick check of potential alcohol problems. It uses an acronym to guide four simple questions that focus on patterns people might not realize are warning signs: whether they feel they should cut down, whether others criticize their drinking, whether they feel guilty about it, and whether they ever drink first thing in the morning to steady nerves or shake off a hangover (the “eye-opener”). Because these questions target common indicators of problematic drinking in just a minute or so, two or more “yes” answers typically signal a need for a more thorough assessment.

This tool is favored for its brevity and ease of use in fast-paced settings like primary care or school counseling, where a quick screen can prompt further evaluation. Other screening tools exist that are longer or aimed at different populations (for example, adolescent-focused tools or more comprehensive assessments). But the four-question CAGE screen specifically uses these prompts to flag potential alcohol problems efficiently.