Which screening instrument is likely to be used for brief assessments?

The CAGE screening instrument is widely recognized for its effectiveness in conducting brief assessments of potential alcohol use disorders. Its concise four-question format makes it easy to administer and quick to score, allowing for rapid identification of individuals who may need further evaluation or intervention. The brevity of the CAGE questionnaire is its central strength, making it particularly suitable for settings where time is limited, such as in primary care or outpatient scenarios.

In contrast, while other options like the Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test and the Substance Abuse Subtle Screening Inventory-4 are valuable tools, they typically require more extensive questioning and are used in more comprehensive assessments rather than brief screenings. The Supplemental Addiction Measure Scale also tends to be more detailed and comprehensive, which does not align with the criteria for brief assessments. Therefore, the CAGE stands out as the most appropriate choice for quick, initial evaluations.