Answer four yes/no questions about your drinking habits to get your CAGE score. Enter your responses to Cut down, Annoyed, Guilty, and Eye-opener — and your total score plus a plain-language interpretation tells you whether your alcohol use may need attention.
CAGE Score
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Interpretation
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Risk Level
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CAGE is an acronym of its four questions: C stands for Cut down, A for Annoyed, G for Guilty, and E for Eye-opener. Each letter refers to a key behavioral sign associated with problematic alcohol use.
A score of 1 or more is generally considered a positive screen and warrants further evaluation. A score of 2 or higher is widely regarded as clinically significant and strongly suggests an alcohol use disorder that should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
Each 'Yes' answer scores 1 point, and each 'No' scores 0. The four responses are summed for a total score ranging from 0 to 4. Higher scores indicate a greater likelihood of alcohol dependence or problem drinking.
The CAGE questionnaire was developed in 1968 at North Carolina Memorial Hospital by Dr. John Ewing. It was designed to provide a brief, easy-to-administer screening tool for detecting problem drinking behaviors in clinical settings.
No. The CAGE questionnaire is a screening tool, not a diagnostic instrument. A positive result indicates that further clinical assessment is warranted, but only a qualified healthcare professional can make a formal diagnosis of alcohol use disorder.
While originally designed for alcohol, the CAGE questionnaire has been adapted for drug use as well. The CAGE-AID (Adapted to Include Drugs) version asks the same four questions but includes both alcohol and drug use, broadening its screening scope.
The CAGE questionnaire has demonstrated good sensitivity and specificity in clinical studies. At a threshold of 2 or more, sensitivity ranges from about 60–95% and specificity from 40–95% depending on the population. It is best used as a first-line screen rather than a standalone diagnostic tool.
A score of 2 or more suggests you may be experiencing problem drinking and it is recommended that you speak with a doctor or mental health professional. They can conduct a more thorough evaluation and discuss appropriate support or treatment options.