CAGE Questionnaire calculator
Result
0/4
0–1 — Low probability of alcohol use disorder
How to use it
- 1
4 yes/no questions. CAGE: Cut down, Annoyed, Guilty, Eye-opener.
- 2
Score ≥ 2 = positive. Sensitivity 93%, specificity 76% for AUD.
- 3
Not for monitoring quantity. CAGE identifies problem drinking, not units consumed. Use AUDIT for quantity.
When to use it
- Brief opportunistic screening
- Faster than AUDIT but less quantitative. Good for general wards.
- Surgical pre-assessment
- CAGE ≥2: consider perioperative alcohol management plan + Wernicke prophylaxis (thiamine).
- Liver disease
- CAGE ≥2 in cirrhosis: establish aetiology and mandatory alcohol cessation counselling.
A reference for clinicians and students, not medical advice. A score supports a decision; it does not make one. Check every result against the patient in front of you and your local protocol.
At a glance
- Specialty
- Psychiatry
- Inputs
- 4
- Type
- Points score
