The 4 coded questions your doctor might ask to work out if you’re a functioning alcoholic
By Isabel Shaw,
26 days ago
WHEN we think of alcoholics, it tends to bring to mind images of people slumped by a wall with a bottle in a brown paper bag.
And heavy drinking might conjure up images of hooligans brawling the street, lager can in hand, football shirt waving in the other.
But there is another group that has a serious issue with alcohol, a problem that may well shorten their lives: middle-aged women.
Latest NHS figures show that 23 per cent of women aged 55-64 drink more than 14 units of alcohol a week – which is equivalent to around six medium-sized glasses of wine.
This is the amount known to increase cancer risk dramatically, and the chances of getting addicted.
Doctors often use a simple test to help spot a ‘functioning’ alcoholic , which is someone who’s dependent on alcohol but is still able to function relatively effectively in their daily life.
It’s called the CAGE test and involves asking the patient four key questions about their drinking habits.
The test, developed by US psychiatrist Dr John Ewing in 1984, is thought to be up to 93 per cent accurate for identifying an alcohol addiction,
The questions are as follows:
1. Have you felt the need to C ut down on your drinking? 2. Do you feel A nnoyed by people complaining about your drinking? 3. Do you ever feel G uilty about your drinking? 4. Do you ever drink an E ye-opener in the morning to relive the shakes?
Typically, answering “yes” to two or more questions suggests you may be dependent on booze.
Drinking more than 14 units per week is also known to increase the risk of a range of other deadly illnesses, including fatty liver disease and heart disease.
Earlier this year, official figures revealed that deaths from alcohol reached an all-time high in December 2022, rising to more than 10,000 and 32.8 per cent higher than pre-pandemic levels.
For comparison, just under 6,800 total alcohol-related deaths were logged a decade ago.
Those concerned they may have a problem with alcohol should visit their GP, who can make an assessment and refer them to specialist clinics for counselling and help with withdrawal.
Now one glass of wine with dinner is the metric for "drinking too much"? ... Sorry, not buying it.
Rome D
25d ago
I answered yes to two of them, but I'ma have me a drink with the way this crazy world is today‼️Just don't drink and drive an take care of your responsibilities and don't abuse alcohol an you'll be just fine!💯💯💯
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