There are a couple of well respected questionnaires regarding alcoholism including the Addiction Severity Scale, the Michigan Alcohol Screening Test and the Substance Abuse Subtle Screening Inventory. There is, however, a very simple screening device that is called the CAGE questionnaire which in a very effective screening tool for alcoholism and can be timely in its use and advantage.
This questionnaire consists of four questions featuring key words that start with C,A,G, and E. A positive answer to at least one question suggests a problem with alcohol.
C:
Have you ever felt you ought to cut down on your drinking (drug use)?
A:
Have people ever annoyed you by criticizing your drinking (drug use)?
G:
Have you ever felt bad or guilty about your drinking (drug use)?
E:
Have you ever had a drink (eye opener) first thing in the morning to steady your nerves or get rid of a hangover?
