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Free CAGE Questionnaire

C - Have you ever felt you should Cut down on your drinking?

A - Have people Annoyed you by criticizing your drinking?

G - Have you ever felt Guilty about your drinking?

E - Have you ever had an Eye-opener (drink first thing in the morning) to steady your nerves or get rid of a hangover?

Answer the 4 questions and click Calculate to see your CAGE score

The CAGE Questionnaire is a free online alcohol screening test designed to quickly flag potential problems with drinking habits. This widely used tool consists of just four yes‑or‑no questions that target behavioral and emotional responses to alcohol rather than the amount consumed. Its brevity makes it suitable for both self‑assessment and use by healthcare professionals during routine check‑ups. Studies indicate that the CAGE test achieves roughly 90% sensitivity in detecting harmful drinking patterns because it addresses feelings and reactions that people tend to underreport when asked directly about quantity.

The Meaning Behind the Name “CAGE”

Each letter in CAGE represents a key indicator of alcohol misuse:

  • C – Cutting down: Have you ever felt you should reduce your drinking?
  • A – Annoyed: Have other people irritated you by criticising your drinking?
  • G – Guilty: Have you ever felt guilty about your alcohol use?
  • E – Eye‑opener: Have you needed a drink first thing in the morning to steady your nerves or get rid of a hangover?

These four areas focus on the psychological and behavioural dimensions that are often more revealing than simple volume‑based questions.

How to Take the CAGE Alcohol Test

Using the CAGE questionnaire is straightforward. Think about your entire life experience with alcohol. For each question, answer “Yes” or “No” based on whether the statement has ever been true for you. Every “Yes” earns one point, giving a total CAGE score from 0 to 4. Because the results are private, honesty is encouraged. You can complete the test alone, or a clinician can administer it during a consultation.

Interpreting Your CAGE Score

Even a single point on the CAGE test is considered a red flag – it suggests you should pay closer attention to your drinking habits. A score of 2 or more is clinically significant and may indicate alcohol abuse or dependence. However, the CAGE questionnaire is not a diagnostic tool; it simply signals whether further investigation is warranted. If you score 2 or higher, or if you have any concerns about your alcohol use, seeking professional medical advice is strongly recommended. A doctor may follow up with a more detailed screening such as the AUDIT (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test) or ask you to track your weekly standard drink consumption.

What “Problem Drinking” Means

The CAGE test is sensitive to “problem drinking,” a broad term that covers several patterns:

  • Hazardous (risky) drinking: Regularly exceeding recommended limits (e.g., more than 14 standard drinks per week for men and 7 for women in the US), increasing the risk of health and social problems.
  • Binge drinking: A pattern that brings blood alcohol concentration (BAC) to 0.08% or higher, often paired with an intention to become intoxicated. This is one of the most common problem drinking patterns, particularly among young adults.
  • Alcohol dependence: A strong, hard‑to‑control urge to drink, organising daily life around alcohol, and continuing despite negative consequences. Abruptly stopping can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms, so medical supervision is essential.

Other Alcohol Screening Tools

While the CAGE questionnaire is valued for its simplicity, several alternative instruments offer different strengths:

  • AUDIT: A 10‑item test developed by the WHO, sensitive for early detection of alcohol misuse.
  • AUDIT‑C: A shorter version containing only three questions.
  • CRAFFT: A six‑question screen for adolescents that covers both alcohol and other substance abuse.
  • TWEAK: Originally designed to detect problem drinking during pregnancy.
  • MAST: A 25‑question inventory often replaced by CAGE in primary care; a geriatric adaptation (MAST‑G) is available for seniors.

Expanding the CAGE Framework: CAGE‑AID

The CAGE concept has been adapted to cover drugs as well as alcohol. The CAGE‑AID (Adapted to Include Drugs) modifies the original four questions so they also capture misuse of illegal drugs and prescription medications. Both the standard CAGE and CAGE‑AID are most effective when incorporated into a routine medical history review.

FAQ

1. What does the acronym CAGE stand for?

CAGE stands for Cutting down, Annoyed by criticism, Guilty about drinking, and Eye‑opener (morning drinking). Each letter reflects one of the four questions in the screening test.

2. How is the CAGE test scored?

Each "Yes" answer gives 1 point, so the total score ranges from 0 to 4. A score of 1 is a warning sign, and 2 or more is considered clinically significant.

3. Is a score of 1 on the CAGE questionnaire a cause for concern?

Yes, even a single point is a red flag that your drinking habits may need attention. It does not confirm a disorder, but it suggests you should be more mindful and possibly discuss it with a doctor.

4. What should I do if my CAGE score is 2 or higher?

A score of 2 or more indicates potential alcohol abuse or dependence. You should seek professional medical advice for a full evaluation. A doctor can use additional tools like the AUDIT and help you create a plan to reduce your drinking safely.

How to Use

  1. Read each of the 4 CAGE questions carefully and answer Yes or No honestly.
  2. Consider your lifetime experience with alcohol when answering each question.
  3. Click Calculate to see your total CAGE score and what it means.