CAGE Assessment (Alcohol Abuse)
For most people who drink, alcohol is a pleasant addition to eating and to other social activities.
For most adults drinking a moderate amount of alcohol (up to two drinks per day for men, and one drink per day for women and older people) is not considered to be harmful. However, for many people, if drinking is having some sort of a negative impact in their life, then the chances are there is a problem with alcohol that is not going to just disappear on its own.
This short assessment will help you determine if you might have a problem with alcohol. (The name “CAGE” is an acronym formed by taking the first letter of key words from each of the following questions.)
1. Have you ever felt you should cut down on your drinking?
Yes ____
No ____
2. Have people annoyed you by criticizing you?
Yes ____
No ____
3. Have you ever felt bad or guilty about your drinking?
Yes ____
No ____
4. Have you ever had a drink first think in the morning (as an “eye opener”) to steady your nerves or get over a hangover?
Yes ____
No ____
According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), nearly 14 million Americans-1 in every 13 adults-abuse alcohol or are alcoholic. Several million more adults engage in risky drinking that could lead to alcohol problems.
The assessment you just completed is a screening tool, the answers you gave us are used to determine if you might have a problem with alcohol. The lower your score the better.
If you answer yes to any of these questions, it suggest that you may have a problem with alcohol. The more yes responses, the more likely it is that you have crossed the line from a “social drinker” to “problem drinker.” Please keep in mind that this is only one very short self-assessment and it does not reflect a clear alcohol addiction diagnoses.
If you have ever felt that alcohol is a problem for you and feel it is having negative consequences in your life, don’t wait for the problem to get worse. You can get the help you need right in the comfort of your own home with Professional Online Counseling.
