[indian]

I can't seem to figure out when should we be asking those awful questions "the CAGE questionnaire".
Is there a cut off amount of alcohol intake beyond which that we have to ask?
Is it if the SP is having only beer (no matter what amount) then we should not ask about it so that they don't feel strange with such a questionnaire?

 

[khanar]

No there's no set criteria
but look at it within the context
for example if he/she having couple of beers over the weekends and they are managing a nice flow at job and work then probably it's not wise to ask CAGE.
One key point here is the duration,
Example:
Do you drink alcohol? : Yes : What is it? : Wine : How much? : two glasses daily : For how long? : 35 years.
In this scenario then you probably should be talking about CAGE

 

[lee-usmle]

Also another advice
Say this before asking the CAGE
"Am going to ask you a couple of questions which are part of standardized questionnaire that help us gauge the effect of alcohol on your health"
This will clear the way for you as I noticed that many SPs frown on CAGE and some of them feel offended.