What CAGE score suggests a potential substance use disorder?

The CAGE questionnaire is a widely used screening tool for identifying potential substance use disorders, particularly alcohol use issues. It consists of four questions, and the scores are based on the number of "yes" responses.

A score of 2 or greater on the CAGE indicates a higher likelihood of problematic substance use. This threshold is significant because it suggests that the individual may be experiencing enough issues related to their substance use to warrant further exploration and potentially a more comprehensive assessment. Research has shown that a score of 2 or more is associated with an increased risk of substance-related problems, prompting clinicians to consider a diagnosis of substance use disorder based on consistent patterns of risk and impairment noted in the questionnaire.

Scores below 2 may indicate lower risk levels or no significant issues, but a score of 2 or more serves as a strong indicator for further evaluation, making it a crucial cutoff in clinical practice for identifying individuals who may need additional support or intervention related to their substance use.