Which assessment tool is typically utilized to identify drug abuse among patients?

Which assessment tool is typically utilized to identify drug abuse among patients?

• A. The AUDIT questionnaire
• B. The CAGE questionnaire
• C. The GAD-7
• D. The MMSE

Answer: (B)

The CAGE questionnaire is a widely recognized tool specifically designed to identify potential alcohol abuse among patients. The acronym CAGE stands for Cut down, Annoyed, Guilty, and Eye-opener, each representing a question that assesses the patient's alcohol use and its impact on their life. The simplicity and effectiveness of the CAGE questionnaire make it a useful initial screening tool in diverse clinical settings, aiding healthcare professionals to quickly identify individuals who may require a more comprehensive evaluation for alcohol use disorder. This questionnaire is especially beneficial because it can be administered in a variety of settings and does not require extensive training or resources. A score indicating potential issues typically prompts further evaluation and support, which is crucial for patient care. While the other tools mentioned, such as the AUDIT, GAD-7, and MMSE, serve important purposes in different contexts—like assessing alcohol consumption, anxiety, and cognitive function, respectively—they do not specifically target drug or alcohol abuse in the same focused manner as the CAGE questionnaire.

The CAGE questionnaire is a widely recognized tool specifically designed to identify potential alcohol abuse among patients. The acronym CAGE stands for Cut down, Annoyed, Guilty, and Eye-opener, each representing a question that assesses the patient's alcohol use and its impact on their life. The simplicity and effectiveness of the CAGE questionnaire make it a useful initial screening tool in diverse clinical settings, aiding healthcare professionals to quickly identify individuals who may require a more comprehensive evaluation for alcohol use disorder.

This questionnaire is especially beneficial because it can be administered in a variety of settings and does not require extensive training or resources. A score indicating potential issues typically prompts further evaluation and support, which is crucial for patient care. While the other tools mentioned, such as the AUDIT, GAD-7, and MMSE, serve important purposes in different contexts—like assessing alcohol consumption, anxiety, and cognitive function, respectively—they do not specifically target drug or alcohol abuse in the same focused manner as the CAGE questionnaire.