In the context of the CAGE acronym, what does the term "Annoyed" refer to?

In the context of the CAGE acronym, "Annoyed" specifically refers to the reaction one has to criticism about their drinking habits. The CAGE questionnaire is a brief screening tool used to identify potential problems related to alcohol use. Each letter represents a question:

• The "C" stands for feeling the need to Cut down on drinking.
• The "A" stands for feeling Annoyed by others' concerns or criticisms regarding one’s alcohol use.
• The "G" refers to feelings of Guilty after drinking.
• The "E" pertains to drinking as an Eye-opener to start the day or recover from drinking.

Thus, when someone feels "Annoyed," it indicates that they might be defensive about their alcohol consumption when confronted or questioned by others, which can point to a problem with their drinking behavior. This aspect is significant because defensiveness can be a sign of denial concerning alcohol misuse. In the clinical context, acknowledging this annoyance can guide further assessments or interventions regarding the individual’s drinking patterns.