What is a common screening tool used for assessing substance use disorders?

The CAGE Questionnaire is a well-known and widely used screening tool for assessing substance use disorders. This tool consists of four straightforward questions designed to identify potential problems related to alcohol consumption. The acronym "CAGE" stands for the key terms in each question: Cut down, Annoyed, Guilty, and Eye-opener. Each question addresses a specific behavioral aspect that may indicate a person's relationship with alcohol and possible dependency, making it effective for quickly screening individuals in various settings, including primary care and substance abuse treatment.

This tool’s brevity and focus on behavioral signs of alcohol use make it particularly suitable for clinical environments, where time may be limited. Its structure allows for easy identification of individuals who may need a more comprehensive assessment or intervention.

In contrast, other options like the MMPI and the Rorschach Test are not specifically designed for assessing substance use disorders. The MMPI is a broad psychological assessment tool used primarily for personality assessment and psychopathology, while the Rorschach Test evaluates personality characteristics through interpretation of ambiguous images, not focusing on substance use behaviors. The DSM-5 serves as a diagnostic manual that outlines criteria for classifying various mental health and substance use disorders but is not a screening tool itself. Therefore, the CAGE Questionnaire