Substance use mnemonic

Screening for alcohol dependence

The mnemonic

CAGE

What each word stands for

  • CCut down: felt you should cut down?
  • AAnnoyed: annoyed by others' criticism?
  • GGuilty: felt guilty about drinking?
  • EEye-opener: drink first thing in the morning?

Why it matters clinically

Two or more positive answers suggest problem drinking and need further assessment.

Where it stops being reliable

A screening tool, not a diagnosis; it does not measure quantity or current intoxication.

Teaching aid, still awaiting independent review. Confirm facts in a standard source.

More mnemonics

Common questions

What is the Substance use mnemonic?

CAGE. It helps you recall: Screening for alcohol dependence.

What does "C" stand for?

Cut down: felt you should cut down?

What does "A" stand for?

Annoyed: annoyed by others' criticism?

What does "G" stand for?

Guilty: felt guilty about drinking?

What are all the parts of the CAGE mnemonic?

C: Cut down: felt you should cut down?; A: Annoyed: annoyed by others' criticism?; G: Guilty: felt guilty about drinking?; E: Eye-opener: drink first thing in the morning?.

Which topic does this mnemonic belong to?

It belongs to Substance use in Psychiatry.

Where does this mnemonic stop being reliable?

A screening tool, not a diagnosis; it does not measure quantity or current intoxication.

How is this useful clinically?

Two or more positive answers suggest problem drinking and need further assessment.

How do I make this mnemonic stick?

Say it aloud, write it from memory tomorrow, then again in a week. Then test yourself on a Psychiatry question about Substance use.

Is this a standard mnemonic?

It is a teaching aid written or adapted by our team. Some resemble ones students share informally. Check any fact that matters in a standard source.