The CAGE Test: Although less specific, shorter and less threatening, this test has a comparable sensitivity.
The four basic CAGE questions are:
- Have you ever felt that you should cut down on your drinking?
- Have people annoyed you by criticizing your drinking?
- Have you ever felt badly or guilty about your drinking?
- Have you ever had a drink upon wakening to steady your nerves or to relieve a hangover?
Two Positive responses are suggestive of alcoholism, and three or four are diagnostic.
Suggested Reading And Resources:
- Dr. Janice Phelps and Dr. Alan E. Nourse, THE HIDDEN ADDICTION AND HOW TO GET FREE, (Little Brown and Company, 1986).
The authors believe that addictiveness is something you are born with, a matter of genetics and biochemistry, a fundamental inborn problem with handling sugar. The good news is that this book outlines a practical program for overcoming addiction using diet and vitamin supplements. One chapter is addressed to physicians to give them additional tools in handling addictions.
- ALCOHOLISM - THE BIOCHEMICAL CONNECTION, by Joan Matthews-Larsens (Random House 1992). This book outlines a program of nutrition and vitamin supplements that eases the transition into a alcohol free life. The author claims a 75 percent success rate with her program.
- Ruth Fishal, THE JOURNEY WITHIN. Highly recommended, a practical guide to recovery using meditation, visualization and affirmations.
- Dr. Jean Kirkpatrick, GOODBYE HANGOVERS, HELLO LIFE. This book addresses the special needs of women alcoholics and outlines her innovative program.
- WOMEN FOR SOBRIETY, PO Box 618, Quakertown, PA, 18951. 1-800-333-1606.
This toll free number can be used in Canada and the United States. For information, books and tapes and how to start your own group, please send $4.00 to cover postage and other costs for this non-profit organization. WFS groups are already found in BC, Alberta, Ontario, Manitoba, PEI, and the Yukon. For further information on Canadian groups or starting your own, contact Elizabeth Simpson, the Canadian Co-ordinator, 44 Cavalier Place, Waterloo, ON, N2L 5K7. 519-884-2395.
- COPA (Community Older Persons Alcohol Project) C\O Dr. Sarah Saunders, Addiction Research Foundation, 33 Russell St, Toronto, ON, Canada, M5S 2S1. 416-595-6106.
- Anne Wilson Schaeff, WHEN SOCIETY BECOMES AN ADDICT.
- Lynne Namka, THE DOORMAT SYNDROME (Health Communications, 1989).
- The Canadian Association for Children of Alcoholics 102 Wychcrest, Toronto, ON. 416-533-6293.
- RECOVERY INC, Self-help for Nervous Symptoms and Fears, 802 North Dearborn St, Chicago, IL, 60610. 312-337-5661 Fax: 312-337-5756.
This is a community mental health organization that offers a self-help method of will training at weekly group meetings throughout Canada, the U.S., and Great Britain. Since 1952, all groups have been run by members, not healthcare professionals.
- ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS (AA), is the most well known 12 step self-help program. It has bases throughout Canada and the U.S. Check the phonebook for the group near you.
