In the CAGE questionnaire, what does the letter 'C' stand for?

In the CAGE questionnaire, what does the letter 'C' stand for?

• A. Cutting down
• B. Craving
• C. Confounding
• D. Control

Answer: (A)

The letter C stands for Cut down. The CAGE questionnaire is a brief screening tool for potential alcohol problems and uses four questions that map to the words Cut down, Annoyed, Guilty, and Eye-opener. The first question specifically asks whether the person feels they should cut down on their drinking. That direct reference to reducing intake is why this option is correct. The other terms—Craving, Confounding, and Control—are not part of the acronym, so they don’t fit the C. In practice, two or more affirmative responses suggest the need for a fuller assessment of alcohol use.

The letter C stands for Cut down. The CAGE questionnaire is a brief screening tool for potential alcohol problems and uses four questions that map to the words Cut down, Annoyed, Guilty, and Eye-opener. The first question specifically asks whether the person feels they should cut down on their drinking. That direct reference to reducing intake is why this option is correct. The other terms—Craving, Confounding, and Control—are not part of the acronym, so they don’t fit the C. In practice, two or more affirmative responses suggest the need for a fuller assessment of alcohol use.