Waking Up to a Change: Understanding Your Drinking Habits

It's Monday morning after a weekend of celebrations, and that familiar heavy feeling hits you. Some details from last night are fuzzy, and the thought of facing your workday feels overwhelming. A quiet question surfaces: "Do I really want to keep feeling this way?"

If you've ever wondered whether your drinking might be excessive, you're not alone. For those seeking a straightforward way to evaluate drinking patterns, the CAGE Assessment offers a helpful starting point.

What Is the CAGE Assessment?

The CAGE Assessment (sometimes called the CAGE Questionnaire) consists of four simple questions designed to identify potential alcohol use disorders. Each letter in CAGE represents a key word from one question:

• C: Have you ever felt you should Cut down on your drinking?
• A: Do you get Annoyed when people criticize your drinking?
• G: Do you ever feel Guilty about your drinking?
• E: Do you ever take an Early-morning drink to steady your nerves or relieve a hangover?

Developed in 1968 by Dr. John Ewing at the University of North Carolina, this assessment has become the most widely used international tool for identifying potential alcohol dependency. Healthcare professionals frequently use it to screen patients who might be experiencing challenges with alcohol.

Understanding Alcohol Misuse

Alcohol misuse extends beyond simply drinking large quantities. Rather than being a formal diagnosis, it describes various harmful drinking patterns that negatively impact health, finances, relationships, or work performance.

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), drinking may be considered risky when it exceeds five or more daily drinks for men or four or more for women. Since recognizing problematic drinking patterns can be challenging, continuing to drink despite negative consequences suggests it might be time to reevaluate your relationship with alcohol.

Interpreting Your CAGE Score

If you answer "yes" to two or more CAGE questions, you might be dealing with substance dependency. Remember that this assessment considers your entire drinking history, not just recent periods like Dry January or temporary breaks from alcohol.

Even one "yes" answer suggests it could be time to adjust your drinking habits. Being honest with yourself about these patterns represents an important step toward prioritizing your wellbeing.

Additional Questions to Consider

Since alcohol use disorder manifests differently for everyone, here are additional questions that might help clarify your situation:

• Do I often drink more or longer than planned?
• Have I tried to cut back or quit without success?
• Does drinking or recovering from drinking consume significant time?
• Do I experience intense cravings for alcohol?
• Has drinking interfered with work, family, or school responsibilities?
• Do I continue drinking despite relationship problems?
• Have I reduced important activities to make time for drinking?
• Do I keep drinking despite alcohol-related health issues?

Answering "yes" to any of these suggests it might be time to reconsider your drinking habits.

Finding Support

If you suspect you need help with alcohol, remember that support is available. Consider reaching out to support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous, speaking with a therapist, confiding in trusted friends or family, consulting your doctor, or joining supportive communities like the Quitemate forum. A healthier, sober life is within reach.

Healthy Alternatives to Alcohol

Enjoying social and personal life without alcohol is absolutely possible. Here are some refreshing alternatives:

• Mocktails: These alcohol-free cocktails provide the celebratory feeling without negative effects. Many bars now offer creative mocktail options, often at lower prices.
• Non-alcoholic beverages: Modern non-alcoholic beers and wines have improved dramatically, with many craft breweries offering sophisticated alcohol-free options.
• Juices and smoothies: Nutrient-packed drinks made with fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds offer health benefits while satisfying the desire for a special beverage.

Final Thoughts

If you're researching assessments like CAGE or waiting for external confirmation about your drinking, you might already sense that your relationship with alcohol needs attention. Problematic drinking looks different for everyone, but we all benefit from examining which habits support our wellbeing and which detract from it. If you're ready to transform your relationship with alcohol, Quitemate stands ready to support your journey every step of the way.