Need For an Alcohol Rehab Program - CAGE Questionnaire

Alcohol addiction rehab may not have occurred tocriticism that can be termed as legitimate. So when a
those who have not been able to identify that "THEREperson faces criticism and realizes that it is legitimate
IS A PROBLEM". Alcoholism is defined as "a primary,and not misplaced, in their heart of hearts they know
chronic disease characterized by impaired control overthat a problem exists.
drinking, preoccupation with the drug alcohol, use ofAlso if a person is unable to take that criticism in their
alcohol despite adverse consequences, and distortionsstride, that is to say they are irked or irritated by that
in thinking," which however has several identifyingcriticism that would have to be a defensive reaction to
factors which reveal to a person that they need help. Itan underlying perception that there is, or could be a
is a loss of control of alcohol use that makes one aproblem.
candidate for alcohol abuse rehab and this lack ofThe third question, "Have you ever felt Guilty about
control is often identified by answering the questions ofdrinking?" helps identify the first negative feelings that
the CAGE Questionnaire:alcohol abuse generates. When an individual has been
1. Have you ever felt you needed to Cut down ondrinking alone, when they have found the need to hide
your drinking?the fact that they drink or more precisely how much
2. Have people Annoyed you by criticizing yourthey drink, they will very likely feel guilty; and it is this
drinking?guilt that helps identify that the person may need an
3. Have you ever felt Guilty about drinking?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 attitudes towardson the alcohol. If one answers in the affirmative to this
drinking and feelings of defensiveness that come fromone, this is the EYE OPENER.
alcohol abuse. Often people will criticize an individual forIf the answer to two or more questions of the CAGE
drinking; and generally speaking legitimate criticism isQuestionnaire is Yes, then it becomes clear that this is
usually leveled at excessive drinking or drinking anda situation that needs further investigation.
misbehaving. Moderate drinking will not usually invite