Alcohol treatment encompasses the range of medical and therapeutic interventions used to address problematic alcohol use, from brief counseling and outpatient programs to intensive inpatient rehabilitation and long-term recovery support. Treatment may include detoxification, medication-assisted therapy, individual and group counseling, and participation in support groups such as AA. Successful alcohol treatment aims to achieve sustained sobriety, reduce relapse risk, and repair social and occupational functioning. For insurers, documented participation in and completion of alcohol treatment programs can signal a commitment to recovery and improve underwriting outcomes over time, especially when combined with ongoing follow-up and stable lifestyle patterns.

Underwriters look closely at alcohol treatment histories when applicants disclose prior dependence, DUIs, or heavy use. They assess timing, program type, duration of sobriety, and evidence of relapse or continued stability. Many carriers have minimum sobriety-period requirements before offering standard or even rated coverage, particularly for larger face amounts. Advisors can help clients in recovery by gathering discharge summaries, letters from treating physicians, and documentation of sustained participation in recovery programs. They may also recommend waiting to apply until sobriety milestones are met. Understanding alcohol treatment allows advisors to approach sensitive disclosures with empathy, set realistic expectations about underwriting, and highlight the positive impact of structured recovery on both health and insurability.