Cage Scores Predict Changes in Life Circumstances Among People with Co-Occurring Psychiatric and Substance Use Disorders

Abstract

The CAGE questionnaire is a brief instrument comprised of four questions that assess the emotional and behavioral consequences of substance use. Substance use also can be associated with a variety of losses and changes in life circumstances. Two hundred twenty people with co-occurring psychiatric and substance use disorders were administered the CAGE followed by a questionnaire regarding changes in life circumstances. Total numbers of significant life changes were positively and significantly correlated with total CAGE scores. Logistic regression analyses identified specific items that were predicted by each of the CAGE questions: one item's variance was significantly accounted for by the “cutting-down” (C) question, three by being “annoyed” (A), four by feeling “guilt” (G), and three by “early morning usage” (E). These data suggest that the emotional and behavioral consequences measured by the CAGE questions may be indicative of important changes in life circumstances. A comprehensive assessment of life events in the context of endorsed CAGE questions may provide insight into appropriate intervention strategies for therapy with for people who have psychiatric disorders and abuse substances.