Something New in Alcoholic Hospitalization | South Plains Alcoholic Clinic — Lubbock, Texas
Offered here is an unusual vintage pamphlet titled Something New in Alcoholic Hospitalization, issued by the South Plains Alcoholic Clinic, Inc. of Lubbock, Texas, under the direction of Tim O’Shanahan.
This small piece of alcoholism-treatment history documents an early private clinic devoted specifically to the hospitalization and care of alcoholics. Rather than presenting a general discussion of alcoholism, the pamphlet was clearly intended to explain the clinic’s treatment arrangements and encourage referrals from individuals, families, physicians, and others seeking help for an alcoholic.
The pamphlet describes a remarkably direct and practical approach to care. Among the services advertised were:
- Hospitalization at $15 per day, including doctor’s fees
- Recognized physicians
- Nurses on duty 24 hours a day
- Medication at standard hospital rates
- Planned meals
- Advice concerning the patient’s problems
- A twelve-patient hospital limit
- Confidential treatment exclusively for alcoholics
The clinic explains that it had spent two years “working and experimenting” toward developing this system and that patients could remain as long as necessary, noting that some required three days while others required six.
Of particular interest is the language used to promote the facility:
“Exclusively Alcoholic — Confidential — Comfortable”
The pamphlet also notes that Ludy Massie had recently sold his stock in the clinic to Tim O’Shanahan and was no longer associated with the operation, providing an unusually specific glimpse into the business history of the facility.
Alcoholism Treatment in the A.A. Era
For collectors of Alcoholics Anonymous and recovery history, pamphlets such as this help document the larger treatment environment that developed alongside the growth of A.A.
Hospitalization played an important role in early alcoholism recovery. The Alcoholics Anonymous Big Book itself discusses the usefulness—and at times necessity—of medical treatment and hospitalization to help physically stabilize an alcoholic before further recovery work could begin.
This pamphlet is particularly interesting because it comes from Lubbock, Texas, an area with an established and growing recovery community during the mid-20th century. Rather than official A.A. literature, it represents the broader network of clinics, hospitals, doctors, and treatment facilities that emerged as alcoholism increasingly came to be approached as a medical and recoverable condition.
Pamphlet Details
Title: Something New in Alcoholic Hospitalization
Director: Tim O’Shanahan
Organization: South Plains Alcoholic Clinic, Inc.
Address: 6420 Caprock Drive, Lubbock, Texas
Format: Folded promotional pamphlet
Publication Date: Not stated
Subject: Alcoholism hospitalization and treatment
The piece appears to be scarce, and I was unable to locate another copy of this exact pamphlet in the online sources I reviewed.
Condition
This pamphlet remains in very good condition overall.
The paper is clean and well preserved with light age toning and minor handling wear. The front cover remains attractive and clearly printed. There are a few small spots and minor marks consistent with age, including a small area of discoloration on the rear cover.
The interior printing remains clean, complete, and easily readable, with no notable writing or significant damage visible.
Please review all photographs carefully for a complete understanding of the condition and appearance.
An interesting piece of mid-century alcoholism treatment history, documenting a small Texas clinic and the changing approach toward the medical care and hospitalization of alcoholics during the period in which Alcoholics Anonymous was rapidly expanding across the country.
