Do You Think You Have an Alcohol/Drug Problem?

For many adults drinking a moderate amount of alcohol (up to two units per day for men, and one unit per day for women and older people) is not harmful. But many people get into serious trouble because of their drinking.

This short assessment will help you determine if you may have a problem with alcohol. (The name ‘CAGE’ is an acronym formed by taking the first letter of key words from each of the following questions.)

• Have you ever felt you should Cut down on your drinking?
• Have people Annoyed you by criticising your drinking?
• Have you ever felt bad or Guilty about your drinking?
• Have you ever had a drink first thing in the morning (as an ‘Eye-opener’) to steady your nerves or get rid of a hangover?

If you answered ‘yes’ to two of these questions you may have a drinking problem.

If you answered ‘yes’ to three of these questions you do have a problem and should seek help.