Which questionnaire is commonly used to diagnose alcohol use disorder?

The CAGE questionnaire is a well-established screening tool used to identify potential alcohol use disorders. It comprises four straightforward questions that focus on the individual's experiences related to drinking, specifically in terms of their need to cut down on drinking, annoyance by criticism of their drinking, feelings of guilt about their drinking, and whether they have ever had a drink first thing in the morning (often referred to as "eye-opener" drinking). If an individual answers positively to two or more of these questions, it suggests a higher likelihood of alcohol use disorder, prompting further evaluation.

This tool is appreciated for its brevity, clarity, and ease of use in various clinical settings, making it an efficient initial assessment for alcohol-related issues. While other options, such as the AUDIT and DSM-5 criteria, are also valid instruments for assessing alcohol use disorders, the CAGE questionnaire has remained particularly popular due to its simplicity and effectiveness in quickly identifying those in need of further assessment or intervention.