The modern world has recognized alcohol addiction as a disease rather than a lifestyle. This has led many insurance companies to include treatment for this addiction in their health plans. Detoxification and rehabilitation are often partially or fully paid by the health insurance company. While the addicted person still has to struggle every day to fight their desire for alcohol, they no longer need to worry about paying staggering medical bills.

Treating alcohol addiction as a disease rather than a lifestyle may have a positive effect on the addict. They have the option to seek treatment without fear of losing respect or their job. For many years, people hid their alcohol addictions rather than facing the distaste of society. They were often treated as pariahs when they admitted there was a problem. Modern alcoholics are now more likely to seek the necessary treatments to overcome their addiction and life normal lives.