Which screening test is commonly used to identify alcohol or substance abuse?

The CAGE questionnaire is a succinct screening tool specifically designed to identify potential alcohol abuse and dependence. It consists of four straightforward questions that assess the individual's drinking habits and behaviors related to alcohol use. The acronym CAGE stands for the key components of the questionnaire:

• Cut down: Have you ever felt you should cut down on your drinking?

• Annoyed: Have people annoyed you by criticizing your drinking?

• Guilty: Have you ever felt guilty about your drinking?

• Eye-opener: Have you ever had a drink first thing in the morning to steady your nerves or get rid of a hangover?

Because of its brevity and focus, the CAGE screening tool is widely utilized for initial assessments in various healthcare settings. If a person responds positively to two or more of the questions, it may indicate a problem with alcohol use, prompting further evaluation.

The AUDIT (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test) is another valid screening tool but is more comprehensive and typically used in research or clinical environments where a detailed assessment is required. The MMSE (Mini-Mental State Examination) is primarily utilized for cognitive impairment screening and does not specifically address substance use. The Beck Inventory refers mainly to depression and anxiety screening instruments and is not focused on substance use