3,411 first admissions for alcoholism treatment to nine proprietary hospitals were studied with standardized questionnaire and diagnostic instruments. Despite the patients' relative economic and social stability, severe patterns of addictive alcohol use had developed and persisted for many years with a high incidence of alcohol-related and intercurrent medical disorders which required prompt medical intervention. Although most patients had a personal physician, less than 9% of referrals for hospital treatment for alcoholism were made by physicians; most patients responded to television outreach programs, recommendations by former patients or were self or family referred. This survey shows that persons who are neither socially disadvantaged nor economically deprived may have severe alcohol-related problems. Such patients constitute a significant challenge to the medical profession to develop strategies for early intervention and more efficacious treatment.