Which screening tool is commonly used in substance abuse counseling?

The CAGE questionnaire is a widely recognized screening tool specifically designed to identify potential problems with alcohol use and dependency. Its brevity and straightforward structure—comprising just four questions—make it particularly effective in both clinical and non-clinical settings for quickly assessing a person’s drinking behavior. Each question corresponds to a particular aspect of alcohol use that can indicate misuse or dependency, such as the need to Cut down, feeling Annoyed by criticisms of drinking, feeling Guilty about drinking, and needing an Eye-opener drink in the morning.

The CAGE questionnaire's focus on direct and relevant queries facilitates early detection, enabling counselors to engage in further exploration and intervention if necessary. This focus on alcohol makes it distinct from the other options, which have different scopes. For instance, Beck's Depression Inventory is primarily aimed at assessing levels of depression, while the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview is a comprehensive diagnostic tool for a variety of mental disorders. The Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale focuses specifically on measuring anxiety levels. Thus, the CAGE questionnaire stands out as the most appropriate tool within the context of substance abuse counseling.