What substances does this tool screen for?

Alcohol, drugs (the CAGE-AID uses the general term drugs, rather than specifying particular substances)

Is this tool appropriate to use with people with HIV?

The CAGE-AID is recommended for universal screening. However, no study has specifically examined the use of the CAGE-AID among people with HIV.

Who administers and scores the tool?

• Optimally self-administered by clients either electronically or on paper.
• If screening verbally, by a staff person or health care provider who has been trained to administer the CAGE-AID, reading questions as written and not providing any additional information until after completion.
• Any staff person or health care provider can be trained to score the CAGE.

Has this tool been validated?

When one or more “Yes” responses are provided to the CAGE-AID, research has found that the sensitivity is 79% and specificity is 77%. When two or more “Yes” responses are provided, research has found that the sensitivity decreases to 70% and specificity increases to 85%.

Please see reference list: 17

Note: CAGE is an acronym formed from the italicized words in the questionnaire. The CAGE-AID is a version of the CAGE that was adapted to include drugs and alcohol.