What Is Considered an Alcoholic? | Signs, Symptoms & Help in Maine

While the word “alcoholic” is commonly used, the clinical term is Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). This diagnosis reflects a spectrum of severity—from mild to moderate to severe—and is defined by a pattern of drinking that causes significant distress or functional problems in daily life.

According to the DSM-5, AUD is diagnosed when an individual meets two or more criteria over a 12-month period, such as:

• Drinking more or longer than intended
• Failed attempts to stop or cut back
• Prioritizing alcohol over personal or professional responsibilities
• Withdrawal symptoms when not drinking

The CDC defines moderate drinking as:

• Up to 1 drink per day for women
• Up to 2 drinks per day for men

• For women: 8 or more drinks per week
• For men: 15 or more drinks per week

Binge drinking is also a red flag:

• 4+ drinks for women or 5+ drinks for men in about 2 hours

If your drinking exceeds these limits—or if you find it difficult to cut back—you may be at risk for or already struggling with AUD.

Behavioral Signs:

• Drinking more or longer than intended
• Unsuccessful efforts to stop
• Neglecting responsibilities due to drinking
• Continuing to drink despite negative consequences

Physical & Emotional Signs:

• Tolerance (needing more alcohol for the same effect)
• Withdrawal (shaking, sweating, nausea, anxiety)
• Memory loss or blackouts
• Irritability, depression, or isolation

Risk Factors:

• Family history of substance use
• Mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, or trauma
• Social environments where heavy drinking is normalized

We offer personalized support and professional assessments to determine the best course of treatment for each individual.

Our services include:

• Free, confidential assessments
• Treatment placement based on severity and needs
• Sober living options for men and women
• Insurance verification (MaineCare & commercial insurance accepted)
• Support for dual-diagnosis clients with co-occurring mental health concerns

Whether someone needs detox, residential care, or structured outpatient treatment, we’ll help them access the right level of care—and stay involved throughout the process.

We meet people where they are, offering a continuum of care:

• Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP): Group and individual therapy several times per week
• Sober Living: Affordable housing starting at $700/month
• Residential Recovery Program (Men Only): Covered by MaineCare
• Referrals to Inpatient or Detox Centers: When higher levels of care are needed

Yes. Most insurance plans—including MaineCare—cover treatment for alcohol use disorder.
We accept:

• Commercial Insurance
• MaineCare (Medicaid)
• Private Pay Options

Our admissions team offers free, no-pressure insurance verification to help you understand your benefits before making any decisions.