hey,
i think a whole lot of alcoholics have social anxiety issues, and have found relief from them in drink. i know that while sober I think too much and analyze too much in social situations, and it really gets in the way of communicating effectively-- when drunk, though, i get the "warm fuzzies" and focus more on connecting with people than analyzing everything they say. i also suffer from some social anxiety, mostly in the form of "do they think i'm weird?" thoughts (and usually, they do, but the problem is that i care)
i don't have any really good advice for this ... what works for me is "jumping in"-- MAKING myself talk and tell stories and get involved. after a time with the same people i adjust and relax a little, but the adjustment process starts anew everytime i see them ...
i hope it gets better for your husband.
best wishes for you and for him
julia