To determine the patient’s perception of his or her drinking problem, you may ask the following questions. Two or more affirmative answers strongly suggest dependence on alcohol.

1. Have you ever believed that you should Cut down your drinking?
2. Have people Annoyed you by criticizing your drinking?
3. Have you ever felt bad or Guilty about your drinking?
4. Have you ever had a drink first thing in the morning to steady your nerves or get rid of a hangover (Eye Opener)?

Source: Mayfield, D., McLeod, G., & Hall, P. (1974). The CAGE Questionnaire: Validation of a new alcoholism screening instrument. American Journal of Psychiatry, 131, 1121–1123, with permission.