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How to Self Check Alcohol Use

No one is immune to the overuse of alcohol at various times in their lives. Sometimes, excessive drinking may be related to a given situation or stressor and may resolve as the issue calms down. However, overmedicating with alcohol can become a chronic problem regardless of "how it started" and lead to major health problems such as the disease of alcoholism and related conditions. This article is going to provide you with a simple, but scientifically tested, self-assessment review regarding your alcohol use.

Things You'll Need

  • A quiet time to reflect
  • Pen and paper to write down the issues/thoughts
  • A willingness to be open and honest with yourself about your alcohol use
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Instructions

    • 1

      The CAGE self-assessment tool has been used in medical practice for many years with a demonstrated scientific reliability to help individuals assess their relationship with alcohol. The research has demonstrated that a positive answer to just one or two of the four parameters of the CAGE assessment basically reveals at least an 84 percent predictive value of alcohol abuse.

    • 2

      CAGE is an acronym developed for people to assess their use of alcohol. The first self-directed of the CAGE assessment is: Have you ever felt that you should CUT (C) down your drinking?

    • 3

      The second question is: Have you ever felt ANNOYED (A) by people questioning your drinking?

    • 4

      The third parameter is: Have you ever felt GUILTY (G) about your drinking?

    • 5

      The last component concerns: Have you ever needed an EYE-OPENER (E)--a drink first thing in the morning to get your day going?

    • 6

      If your CAGE is positive do something about it. Do not assume it will simply "go away." Talk to a trusted friend, spouse or clergy member and be willing to consider going to an Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meeting just to listen. No one at any AA meeting needs to say a word or identify themselves. Everyone is welcome just to listen and see if what they are hearing impacts their current alcohol use. It is wise to attend more than one AA meeting in order to get a sense of the issue.

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