Which scale is used to assess alcohol use disorder?

The CAGE questionnaire is a widely used screening tool specifically designed to identify potential alcohol use disorders. It consists of four straightforward questions that inquire about an individual’s drinking habits and behaviors. The acronym "CAGE" stands for:

1. Cut down: Have you ever felt you should cut down on your drinking?
2. Annoyed: Have people annoyed you by criticizing your drinking?

3. Guilty: Have you ever felt guilty about your drinking?
4. Eye-opener: Have you ever had a drink first thing in the morning to steady your nerves or to get rid of a hangover?

A positive response to two or more of these questions typically indicates a potential problem with alcohol and warrants further evaluation. The simplicity and effectiveness of the CAGE questionnaire make it a preferred choice in both clinical and non-clinical settings for preliminary assessment.

The other scales mentioned are used for different purposes. The MMSE (Mini-Mental State Examination) is utilized to assess cognitive function and screen for dementia. The SAD PERSONS scale is an instrument for evaluating suicide risk. The PHQ-9 is a screening tool for depression, assessing the severity of depressive symptoms. Each of these tools serves