CAGE Questionnaire

Used to screen adults for alcohol abuse or dependence when concern arises during routine primary care encounters or clinical interviews. Best for identifying established alcohol problems, not heavy or binge drinking. Clinical utility: rapid 4‑item screen with reasonable accuracy for abuse/dependence (sensitivity 74%, specificity 91%) in outpatient adults 1 [Level II evidence], but poor for detecting heavy drinking, especially in women and older adults 2 [Level II evidence].

Detects lifetime consequences of drinking but misses heavy or binge use; sensitivity often low in women (38–50%) 1 [Level II evidence] and older adults (<50%) 2 [Level II evidence]. High specificity (~90–99%) makes positives meaningful but poor rule‑out performance. Cultural and sex bias limits accuracy 3 [Level II evidence]. Performs better for alcohol abuse/dependence than for heavy drinking.