You might be asking yourself if your drinking has crossed a line. That question matters. Many people search for answers about the signs of alcoholism, or wonder am I an alcoholic, even if life still looks “okay” on the outside.

The word “alcoholic” is common, but doctors use the term alcohol use disorder (AUD). This post will explain what AUD means, the common signs of AUD, what high-functioning alcoholism looks like, and what getting help can look like in Colorado Springs, CO, at Spring Grove Recovery.

What is alcohol use disorder?

When people ask what it means to be an alcoholic, they are usually referring to alcohol use disorder. The DSM-5 describes AUD as a pattern of drinking that starts to cause real problems in your life, like affecting your health, relationships, or daily responsibilities.1

AUD involves an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite negative effects on your health, relationships, or responsibilities.2

AUD exists on a spectrum:

• Mild: 2–3 DSM-5 symptoms
• Moderate: 4–5 DSM-5 symptoms
• Severe: 6 or more DSM-5 symptoms

Alcohol use disorder is a brain disorder, not a personal failure. Changes in brain chemistry from alcohol use can make it harder to stop drinking, even when you want to.2 Over time, these changes can affect how you think, feel, and respond to stress, which can make it more difficult to control alcohol use without support.

Signs of alcoholism: What to look for

The signs of alcoholism often show up as patterns over time. You may notice symptoms in your behavior, your physical or mental health, or your relationships with others. These changes can start small and become more noticeable as alcohol use continues.

Common signs of alcohol addiction include:

• Drinking more or longer than you planned
• Trying to cut back, but not being able to
• Spending a lot of time drinking or recovering
• Strong cravings or urges to drink
• Trouble keeping up with work, school, or home responsibilities
• Continuing to drink even when it causes problems
• Losing interest in activities you once enjoyed
• Drinking in unsafe situations, such as driving

These signs of alcohol use disorder come from clinical criteria used to diagnose AUD.3 They help professionals understand how alcohol use is affecting a person’s life, including their health, behavior, and daily functioning.

Behavioral signs of alcoholism

The behavioral signs of alcoholism often show up in how you act around alcohol and other people. You might notice:

• Mood swings or irritability when you are not drinking
• Drinking alone or hiding how much you drink
• Making excuses or minimizing your drinking
• Feeling defensive when someone brings it up
• Strain in relationships
• Financial stress tied to alcohol use

These patterns can build over time and affect different parts of your life.

Physical signs of alcoholism

The physical signs of alcoholism can develop as your body adapts to alcohol. You may notice:

• Needing more alcohol to feel the same effects (tolerance)
• Withdrawal symptoms like sweating, shaking, nausea, or anxiety
• Morning shakiness or discomfort
• Changes in weight or appearance
• Memory blackouts

Alcohol withdrawal can be serious. In some cases, it can lead to severe symptoms like seizures or confusion and may require medical care.4

Am I an alcoholic? Understanding functional alcoholism

If you’re wondering whether you might have alcoholism, you may feel unsure because you’re still managing work, family, and daily responsibilities. This is often called being a high-functioning or functional alcoholic.

You can meet the criteria for AUD even if your life looks stable from the outside. Some common signs you have a drinking problem include:

• Drinking daily or almost daily
• Using alcohol to cope with stress or emotions
• Drinking more than you planned on a regular basis
• Feeling defensive about your drinking
• Feeling guilt or shame after drinking

If you’re questioning whether you might have a drinking problem, it’s worth taking a closer look at what’s causing that concern. You don’t have to wait for things to get worse to explore your options for help.

If you want to understand better how alcohol use can progress over time, you can read more about: Understanding the Stages of Alcohol Addiction.

How is alcohol use disorder diagnosed?

When people ask how to diagnose alcohol use disorder, clinicians use guidelines from the DSM-5. These guidelines include 11 possible symptoms.

A diagnosis is based on how many symptoms you have experienced within 12 months:

• 2–3 symptoms: Mild
• 4–5 symptoms: Moderate 
• 6 or more symptoms: Severe 

Only a licensed professional can diagnose alcohol use disorder (AUD). Still, noticing the signs in yourself can be an important first step. About 11% of adults age 18 and older had AUD in the past year,5 so many people are going through something similar.

Many people live with alcohol use disorder and do not seek treatment, even when symptoms are present. You do not need a formal diagnosis to reach out for professional help.

Treatment rehab for alcohol use disorder in Colorado Springs

If you recognize the signs of alcoholism in yourself or someone you care about, support is ready and available to you. Treatment can help you stabilize, understand your patterns, and build new coping strategies. 

Spring Grove Recovery provides evidence-based treatment for alcohol use disorder in Colorado Springs in a calm, supportive setting. Services include:

• Medical detox to help you manage withdrawal safely
• Inpatient addiction treatment for daily structure and support
• Medication-assisted treatment (MAT), if appropriate
• Various therapy approaches for whole-person healing
• Relapse prevention planning and aftercare

We work to make care accessible for people in Colorado by accepting Colorado Medicaid and most major insurance plans. Recovery is possible with the right support in place.

Sources:

1. NIH - National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA). Alcohol Use Disorder: From Risk to Diagnosis to Recovery. Accessed April 2026.
2. NIH - National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA). Understanding Alcohol Use Disorder. Accessed April 2026.
3. NIAAA - Rethinking Drinking. What Are the Symptoms of Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)? Accessed April 2026
4. NIH - National Library of Medicine. Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome. Accessed April 2026.
5. American Psychiatric Association. Alcohol Use Disorder. Accessed April 2026.