The CAGE questionnaire, among other methods, has been extensively validated for use in identifying alcoholism. CAGE is considered a validated screening technique, with one study determining that it CAGE test scores >=2 had a sensitivity of 93% and a specificity of 76% for the identification of problem drinkers.

It is not valid for diagnosis of other substance use disorders, although somewhat modified versions of the CAGE are frequently implemented for such a purpose.

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