Which screening test provides a quick self-assessment for alcoholism symptoms by requiring just four simple questions?

The CAGE questionnaire is indeed a widely used screening tool that focuses on identifying potential problems related to alcohol use. It consists of just four straightforward questions, which makes it especially useful for both clinical and non-clinical settings where time might be limited. The brevity of the CAGE allows individuals to quickly self-assess their alcohol consumption patterns and identify possible symptoms of alcoholism without requiring extensive testing or evaluation.

Each of the four questions targets specific behaviors and feelings associated with alcohol use, such as the need to cut down on drinking, feelings of annoyance by criticism about drinking, feelings of guilt regarding drinking, and the use of alcohol as an eye-opener. A positive response to any of these questions indicates a potential alcohol use disorder and serves as a prompt for further assessment or intervention.

The other options include more extensive tools or assessments that are not as concise as the CAGE questionnaire. For instance, the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) consists of ten questions and is more comprehensive in its evaluation. Likewise, the Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST) and Comprehensive Substance Assessment are also more extensive and less focused than the quick self-assessment provided by the CAGE. This makes the CAGE questionnaire particularly valuable for initial screenings and brief interventions.