Cage questionnaire: an alcohol screening test

CAGE Questionnaire – Understanding Alcohol Dependency

At Banbury Lodge, we are committed to helping individuals assess and understand their relationship with alcohol. One widely recognised screening tool for identifying potential alcohol dependency is the CAGE Questionnaire. This simple yet effective test consists of four key questions designed to highlight problematic drinking patterns.

What is the CAGE Questionnaire?

The CAGE Questionnaire is a brief screening tool used by medical professionals and addiction specialists to determine whether an individual may have an issue with alcohol misuse. It consists of the following four questions:

Cut down – Have you ever felt you should cut down on your drinking?
Annoyed – Have people annoyed you by criticising your drinking?
Guilty – Have you ever felt bad or guilty about your drinking?
Eye-opener – Have you ever had a drink first thing in the morning to steady your nerves or to get rid of a hangover?

Each “yes” response scores one point, and a total score of two or more may indicate a potential problem with alcohol use, suggesting further assessment is needed.

Why is the CAGE Questionnaire Important?

This screening tool is valuable because it is:

Quick and easy – The questionnaire takes only a few minutes to complete.
Highly effective – It has been widely validated for detecting alcohol dependency.
Non-judgmental – It allows individuals to reflect on their drinking habits in a safe and confidential manner.

What to Do If You Score High on the CAGE Questionnaire?

If you or a loved one scores two or more on the CAGE Questionnaire, it may indicate the need for further evaluation. At Banbury Lodge, our expert team offers professional assessments and personalised treatment plans to support individuals struggling with alcohol addiction.

How Banbury Lodge Can Help

We provide a compassionate, medically supervised environment where individuals can access:

Detox programmes to safely withdraw from alcohol.
Rehabilitation treatment including therapy and counselling.
Aftercare support to help maintain long-term sobriety.

If you are concerned about your drinking or that of a loved one, contact Banbury Lodge today. Our team is here to guide you towards a healthier, alcohol-free future.