The CAGE test is a simple and effective screening mechanism -- four questions, the first letter of the key word in each spelling CAGE:

• Have you ever felt you should cut down on your drinking?
• Have people annoyed you by criticizing your drinking?
• Have you ever felt bad or guilty about your drinking?
• Have you ever had an eyeopener drink first thing in the morning to steady your nerves or get rid of a hangover?

One yes: a possible alcohol problem
More than one yes: an alcohol problem is highly likely

Experts now differentiate between two categories of alcoholism: alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence. They further refer to alcoholism not as a disease but as "alcohol dependence syndrome", incorporating a host of biological, social, and psychological factors.

The current standards for "moderate" drinking are one drink per day for women and two for men, whereas "hazardous" drinking involves more than 10 drinks a week for women and 15 for men. (A 1 1/2 ounce shot of liquor, a 5-ounce glass of wine, or a 12 ounce bottle of beer all contain about the same amount of alcohol, and each is considered to be one drink.)