“Is hospitalization required to treat alcohol addiction?”

As a particular expert in this area and Unit Chief of the Dual-Diagnosis Unit, I can say that alcohol withdrawal is a dangerous and even life threatening phenomenon. I would recommend that your husband consult with a specialist in addiction in order to determine the appropriate setting for alcohol cessation based on the amount he has been drinking, for how long, and what symptoms he develops when not drinking, to name a few. Alternatively, he could be seen by his primary care physician to get the process started or even in a local emergency department. The bottom line is that when in doubt, one should NOT attempt this on their own- the dangers of alcohol withdrawal are serious and can include seizure and death. On a more positive note, your husband is taking the first step on the road to recovery and I want to send my best wishes to him and you both in this process.

That depends on the severity of addiction and risk of withdrawal. It does not necessarily require hospitalization but she form of alcoholism treatment will be needed such as an Intensive Outpatient Program. He needs to be assessed for what will be most effective for him, given his symptoms and severity of addiction. That would include the need for withdrawal management. He should not just stop drinking independently because there are risks with that.

Alcohol use disorder can be treated on out patient basis depending on the complexity of patients clinical presentation (how they are at the time of evaluation). To determine if treatment can be on an out patient basis, must be evaluated first to determine if hospitalization is necessary. The severity of the consequences of alcohol use usually require. Some blood testing for such things as vitamin B, folic acid, liver enzymes, and so forth. Substance use disorder is now covered by most all health care insurance and cannot be refused to be treated as a prior existing condition.