Need for an Alcohol Rehab Program: CAGE Questionnaire

Alcohol addiction rehab may not have occurred todrinking and misbehaving. Moderate drinking will not
those who have not been able to identify thatusually invite criticism that can be termed as legitimate.
“THERE IS A PROBLEM”. Alcoholism is definedSo when a person faces criticism and realizes that it is
as "a primary, chronic disease characterized bylegitimate and not misplaced, in their heart of hearts
impaired control over drinking, preoccupation with thethey know that a problem exists.
drug alcohol, use of alcohol despite adverseAlso if a person is unable to take that criticism in their
consequences, and distortions in thinking," whichstride, that is to say they are irked or irritated by that
however has several identifying factors which revealcriticism that would have to be a defensive reaction to
to a person that they need help. It is a loss of controlan underlying perception that there is, or could be a
of alcohol use that makes one a candidate for alcoholproblem.
abuse rehab and this lack of control is often identifiedThe third question, “Have you ever felt Guilty about
by answering the questions of the CAGEdrinking?” helps identify the first negative feelings
Questionnaire:that alcohol abuse generates. When an individual has
1. Have you ever felt you needed to Cut down onbeen drinking alone, when they have found the need to
your drinking?hide the fact that they drink or more precisely how
2. Have people Annoyed you by criticizing yourmuch they drink, they will very likely feel guilty; and it is
drinking?this guilt that helps identify that the person may need
3. Have you ever felt Guilty about drinking?an Alcohol Rehab Program.
4. Have you ever felt you needed a drink first thing inThe last question goes to the physical reliance that a
the morning (Eye-opener) to steady your nerves or toperson’s body forms upon alcohol consumption. If a
get rid of a hangover?drink is what one requires first thing in the morning, then
The first question goes to the question of how muchthat makes is clear how much of alcohol the person
one is drinking; trying to identify if the individual himselfconsumes and that it is more than is good for them. If
or herself thinks they are drinking more than is goodalcohol is needed to steady nerves, then it becomes
for them.clear that there is an actual and physical dependence
The second question goes to one’s attitudeson the alcohol. If one answers in the affirmative to this
towards drinking and feelings of defensiveness thatone, this is the EYE OPENER.
come from alcohol abuse. Often people will criticize anIf the answer to two or more questions of the CAGE
individual for drinking; and generally speaking legitimateQuestionnaire is Yes, then it becomes clear that this is
criticism is usually leveled at excessive drinking ora situation that needs further investigation.