Published 15:19 6 Sep 2024 GMT+1
Simple four question 'CAGE' test can determine whether you're a functioning alcoholic
Alcohol dependency can contribute to a range of health issues
Britt Jones
When doctors suspect you might have a dependency on alcohol, they’ll go through the steps to help you overcome your struggles.
But first, they need to confirm whether you’re dependent or not.
Now, this is when they bring in a sneaky criterion, which you might mistake for simple questions or a conversation about your drinking habits.
There are signs that doctors look out for when trying to determine if someone is an alcoholic (Getty Stock Image)These are the CAGE questions
If you walk into your GP’s room and begin ticking boxes of having symptoms which are in line with excessive alcohol consumption, such as jaundice, the shakes, smelling of booze or whatever else it could be, they’ll whip these out.
According to Healthline, the CAGE questions are less intrusive than to ask a patient outright if they’re an alcoholic.
Studies have found that the use of alcohol is a factor in more than 200 disease and injury conditions, and 5.1 percent of global diseases and injuries is attributable to alcohol.
Not only does alcohol consumption causes death and disability early in life, but people aged 20 - 39 years account for around 13.5 percent of total deaths associated with alcohol use, the WHO states.
The CAGE test is really helpful to healthcare professionals (Getty Stock Image)As binge drinking continues to rise, especially among those aged 18 to 24, it’s a real problem.
It’s also an issue with individuals aged 65 and older, who may not realise that their nightly bottle of wine isn’t normal.
So, if a doctor thinks you have a problem, they’ll ask you these questions.Have you ever felt you should cut down on your drinking?
Have people annoyed you by criticizing your drinking?
Have you ever felt bad or guilty about your drinking?
Have you ever had a drink first thing in the morning to steady your nerves or get rid of a hangover?
Why are these questions called CAGE?
That’s simply because it’s an acronym of the questions.
As the Oxford Academic explains, first the doctor asks about Cutting down, then if you’re Annoyed by criticism, or if you feel Guilty, the last question is the real Eye-opener.
For doctors, even answering two or three questions with a ‘yes’ can signify to them that you partake in heavy alcohol consumption.
The CAGE test can tell whether you drink too much alcohol (Getty Stock Image)Allegedly, this criterion can actually accurately identify people with alcohol dependence around 93 percent of the time when used.
While you can go to the doctor’s office to be asked those questions, it can also be self-administered too - you just need to be honest with yourself.
It can also pick up 91 percent of cases of alcoholism, not just excessive consumption.
It all began when it was developed by Dr. John Ewing in the US, who wrote his findings on the effectiveness of those questions.
When he went on to publish it in 1984, it soon become a staple in health care used as an easy-to-use tool to identify severe alcohol dependence.
The CAGE test can be applied personally too, we just need to be honest with ourselves (Getty Stock Image)However, it has been adapted to also include substance abuse, such as the use of heroin, cocaine, nicotine, methamphetamine, prescription drugs and cannabis.
When a study looking into just how many people were admitted to hospital or treated for alcohol dependency, 65 percent of those were men.
Whether this is down to culture or the nightlife scene, it’s clear that alcohol is a danger to everyone if consumed in excess.
Please drink responsibly. If you want to discuss any issues relating to alcohol in confidence, contact Drinkline on 0300 123 1110, 9am–8pm weekdays and 11am–4pm weekends for advice and support.Featured Image Credit: Getty Stock Images
Topics: Health, News, Alcohol
Britt Jones
Published 16:29 8 Jun 2024 GMT+1
Four questions could determine whether you're functioning alcoholic if you answer 'yes' to every one
A psychiatrist has revealed the four questions you should ask yourself to determine whether you are a functional alcoholic
Mia Williams
A psychiatrist has revealed the four questions you should ask yourself to determine whether you are a functional alcoholic.
Alcohol is a big part of our social lives, and if you’ve ever completed a dry Jan, you’ll know just how hard it can be to avoid giving into temptation.
Whilst you might not display the more serious signs of alcoholism, but sustain high levels of drinking, you might be what is known as a functional alcoholic.
Have you ever thought your drinking is a cause for concern? (Sally Anscombe / Getty Images)
Dr Iqbal Mohiuddi, a consultant psychiatrist at 25 Harley Street Day Clinic, has revealed four easy questions you can ask yourself, and if the answer to all four is ‘yes’, there might be something worth addressing.
In fact, talking to Healthista Dr Iqbal said: “If one or two of those are answered positively, it’s highly suggestive you could have a problem with alcohol.”
So, what are they?
C – Cutting down: Have you ever thought you should cut down on your drinking?
A – Annoyance: Do you ever get annoyed or angry when people tell you about your drinking?
G – Guilt: Do you feel guilty about your drinking or any aspect of its effects on yourself or other people?
E – Eye-opener: Do you feel the need to have a drink to feel better, especially in the mornings to calm your nerves.
If you answered yes to all four questions then you might be a functioning alcoholic. (krisanapong detraphiphat / Getty Images)
Despite the warning, Dr Iqbal did note that these questions aren’t there to scare you, as your answer may be ‘yes’ without there being a problem at all.
The key is being aware and taking into consideration when it might be or become an issue.
He added: “The tipping point is usually when someone loses, or faces a very real fear of losing, someone they love because of their drinking.
“It’s almost always the thing that brings people to us.”
The psychiatrist noted that being honest with yourself is the first step, and then actions from there can look like a daily diary tracking your habits, analysing drunken behaviour, and most importantly seeking help from professionals.
Dr Iqbal does explain that the odd white lie to your doctor here and there about how many units of alcohol you consume is not a big deal.
Let’s be real, we’ve all been there.
But keeping an eye on problems developing and dependency, is where the real issues lie.
Please drink responsibly. If you want to discuss any issues relating to alcohol in confidence, contact Drinkline on 0300 123 1110, 9am–8pm weekdays and 11am–4pm weekends for advice and supportFeatured Image Credit: Getty Stock Photos
Topics: Alcohol, Food And Drink, Health, Mental Health
Mia Williams
Updated 16:49 2 Jun 2024 GMT+1Published 16:44 2 Jun 2024 GMT+1
Sign you may be functioning alcoholic can be seen in pub as summer begins in UK
If you think you could be struggling with alcohol, here is one sign to look out for
Brenna Cooper
An expert has revealed the one sign to look out if you're concerned that you might be a high-functioning alcoholic.
As the weather (finally) begins to warm up across the UKUK, most of us will be heading out to enjoy the sunshine with a cold pint in a pub garden.
After all, 1 June signals the start of the summer months.
But are you aware of the signs that your drinking could be turning into a problem rather than something to enjoy responsibly?
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Summer offers up plenty of opportunities for drinking. (Getty Stock Image)If you're that you may becoming too reliant on your evening tipple an addiction expert has shared the key sign that you or a friend could be a high-functioning alcoholic - and it's something that you can spot at the pub.
Now most of us are probably guilty of taking drinks with friends a little too far every now and again, however if you're drinking heavily too often it can be a sign that you could be developing a problem.
What is a high-functioning alcoholic?
According to guidelines issued by the UK Addiction Treatment Centres, a functioning alcoholic is a 'person with an addiction to alcohol, but manages to go about their daily routine, therefore their drinking problem goes unseen'.
High-functioning alcoholism is often hard to spot. (Getty Stock Image)Key sign of someone being a high-functioning alcoholic
If you're concerned that your drinking habits could be becoming unhealthy, here is one simple sign you should be wary of.
According to the expert, the tell-tale sign of functional alcoholism is being unable to call it quits after one drink and instead finding excuses to stay out all night.
“Initially, they intend that they will just have one or possibly two, and they may sincerely wish to believe this and tell others in your company to reaffirm this belief,” the expert writes.
“But one will always turn into more as they will inevitably find an excuse to continue drinking, whether it be another round, chatting to a new person, or an offer on beverages such as ‘happy hour’.”
High-functioning alcoholics are sometimes aware of their behaviour. (Getty Stock Image)The expert went on to add that as a high-functioning alcoholic you may be aware of the issues in your relationship with drinking but could potentially make excuses to avoid talking about it due to 'deep rooted anxiety'.
Justifications often made by high-functioning alcoholics often include phrases such as 'I work so hard. I am entitled to have fun' or ' pay the bills, take my kids to school, and get to work on time. Alcoholics can’t do those things'.
If you relate to any of the topics in this article, support can be found on Drinkline on 0300 123 1110. The confidential service is available 9am–8pm weekdays and 11am–4pm weekends for advice and support.Featured Image Credit: Getty Stock Images
Topics: Alcohol, Health, Food And Drink
Brenna Cooper
Published 14:39 7 Nov 2023 GMT
Recovery coach shares the three signs you’re a functioning alcoholic
He's shared three signs that could suggest someone is a functioning alcoholic
Claire Reid
A recovery coach has shared the three signs that could show someone is a functioning alcoholic.
Most of us are aware of our limits when it comes to booze - but there are some signs that your drinking could be borderline alcoholic.
How I Overcame My Alcoholism
Credit: ITV / This Morning
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And recovery coach Connor, who posts under the handle @thesoberplug on TikTok, explained three signs that could point towards someone being a functioning alcoholic - and asked if people could ‘relate’ to any of them.
In the clip, he explains: “Number one, you compartmentalise your drinking. This means that during certain times or responsibilities you refuse to drink. However, once that is over with, you allow yourself to drink and that is justified."
He went on to say that people who have issues with alcohol may also try to justify their drinking.
TikTok/@thesoberplugHe said: “Number two, you think that certain externals or materialistic things justify your drinking. In other words, if you have a nice car, a nice house, a nice job, you feel that your drinking isn’t an issue, because you would not have these things if it was a real problem.
“However, we all know that status or financial success has absolutely nothing to do with having an alcohol problem.
“And number three, you might provide for yourself or your family and in this circumstance, your alcoholism is justified. Functioning alcoholics get the sense of, ‘as long as I am providing for my family or myself that it can’t possibly be an issue’.
“After all, if it was a real problem, I wouldn’t be able to be responsible for certain people, right?
"Well that is completely false. Our actions have consequences on other people, just because we can balance a few different things, it does not mean that we don’t have problems in our life and that it doesn’t impact others in our life.”
He ends the clip by urging anyone who is struggling with alcohol to reach out for help.
You can find an alcohol or drug service in your local area or use the following information to get support:
With You provides a range of support for alcohol, drugs and mental health via a local service or online. These are free and confidential services and include the following:
Drinkline provides advice for anyone who is worried about their own or someone else’s drinking – phone 0800 731 4314, available Monday to Friday, 9am to 9pm and Saturday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm
Alcohol Helpline can provide advice and support if you’re over 50 and are worried about your own or someone else’s drinking – book an appointment online or phone 0808 801 0750, Monday to Friday, 12pm to 8pm and Saturday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm
Know The Score provides support if you’ve taken drugs, are thinking of taking them, or are just curious and want to know more – use their webchat or phone 0800 587 5879, Monday to Friday, 9am to 9pm and Saturday and Sunday, 10am to 4pmFeatured Image Credit: TikTok / @thesoberplug Getty Stock Photo
Topics: Health, Food And Drink, Mental Health, TikTok
Claire Reid
Updated 16:42 12 Apr 2024 GMT+1Published 16:37 12 Apr 2024 GMT+1
Six signs you're a borderline alcoholic and need to cut back as Brits get ready for summer
Without realising, you might be on the edge of consuming a little too much
Anish Vij
By now, we are all aware that drinking excessively can't be a good a thing.
As a non-drinker, I have no issue with my friends knocking down a few cold ones after work and I will often join them - with a very exciting Diet Coke.
However, I can't help but notice that when the weather gets nicer, life gets better, particularly in the UK.
But with the Sun beaming and the drinks flowing, without realising, you might possibly be on the edge of consuming a little too much.
That's why it's probably worth keeping a look out for these six signs in the lead-up to summer, as advised by an NHS doctor.
In 2021, 49 percent of UK adults drank alcohol on at least one day per week. (Getty Stock Image)What is an alcoholic?
According to the NHS, 'alcohol misuse is when you drink in a way that's harmful, or when you're dependent on alcohol'.
The health service advises people to not regularly drink more than 14 units a week.
One unit of alcohol is 8g or 10ml of pure alcohol, which is about half a pint of lower to normal-strength lager/beer/cider (ABV 3.6 percent), a single small shot measure (25ml) of spirits (25ml, ABV 40 percent), or a small glass (125ml, ABV 12 percent) of wine containing about 1.5 units of alcohol.
Six signs you're a borderline alcoholic and need to cut back
1) You drink alcohol every day without thinking about it
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), 'people like to drink alcohol because of its ability to alter emotional states'.
They say that alcohol 'induces euphoria, relaxation, and disinhibition while reducing stress and anxiety'.
2) You binge-drink regularly
Dr Dave Nichols, an NHS GP, told The Sun that alcoholism is when a person has an uncontrollable desire to drink.
"Their body is dependent on alcohol," he said.
3) You only socialise where drink is involved
If the only reason you're going to the staff party is for the free booze, then perhaps you need to find more interesting colleagues.
With the sun beaming and the drinks flowing, without realising, you might possibly be on the edge of consuming a little too much. (Getty Stock Image)4) You drink regularly during the day
"Alcoholics will usually develop physical and psychological symptoms if they stop drinking," Dr Nichols explained.
"Borderline alcoholics might experience symptoms such as abdominal pain, stress, anxiety, bad skin, trouble sleeping, irritability and higher blood pressure."
5) You find it annoying when others are not drinking
Often, if I go on a night out, 99 percent of the people aren't at all bothered with the fact that I don't drink.
But occasionally, there will always be that one person who has a slight issue with it.
Perhaps a look at one's self would be more appropriate.
6) You drink more than the NHS guidelines every month.
As mentioned, the NHS guidelines advise not to regularly drink more than 14 units a week.
Dr Nichols warned: "The most common long-term physical impacts of borderline alcoholism are abnormal liver function, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and mental health problems, but these are often hidden diseases and patients are unaware of them until they progress."
Please drink responsibly. If you want to discuss any issues relating to alcohol in confidence, contact Drinkline on 0300 123 1110, 9am–8pm weekdays and 11am–4pm weekends for advice and support.
