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CAGE Questionnaire Calculator

Screen for problem drinking with the four-question CAGE alcohol questionnaire and score interpretation.

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What Is the CAGE Questionnaire?

CAGE is a brief four-item screen for problem drinking. Each letter stands for one question: Cut down, Annoyed, Guilty, and Eye-opener. It is widely used in primary care and emergency settings. Related tools: AUDIT Score Calculator and Braden Score Calculator.

Scoring

Each yes answer scores 1 point. Total score ranges from 0 to 4.

  • 0: probably no problem on this screen
  • 1: red flag, consider follow-up
  • 2 or more: clinically significant, higher likelihood of alcohol use disorder

Clinical Use

CAGE is a screening tool, not a diagnosis. Positive screens should lead to a fuller assessment and discussion of support options.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does CAGE stand for?

Cut down, Annoyed, Guilty, and Eye-opener. Each maps to one question about alcohol use.

Is a score of 1 important?

Yes. One positive answer is considered a warning sign and may warrant further evaluation.

How is CAGE different from AUDIT?

CAGE has four yes/no items and is very quick. AUDIT has more questions and captures quantity and harm in more detail.

Can CAGE diagnose alcohol use disorder?

No. It identifies people who may need a more detailed clinical assessment.

Should the questions be asked exactly as written?

Standard wording improves comparability, but clinicians may adapt language while keeping the meaning intact.