The involvement of the gut microbiota in various diseases, including psychiatric disorders, is increasingly being studied. We present here a review of recent data regarding the potential role of the microbiota in the development and maintenance of alcohol addiction. Changes in the composition and function of the gut microbiota have been observed in alcoholic patients. Several pathophysiological mechanisms explain the involvement of the microbiota in this addiction, including through the intestinal immune system, the production of psychoactive bacterial metabolites, or the alteration of intestinal permeability. Modulation of the microbiota through nutritional or pharmaceutical interventions is thus a promising therapeutic avenue for the management of alcoholism.