For many, this is the season of holiday cheer and seasonal bliss. But for those grappling with the day-to-day struggle of staying sober, getting through Christmas and New Year's can be like negotiating a mine field hard-wired with temptation and pain.
Alcoholics Anonymous provides the support Clyde and his new friends need to get through this trying time.
Many fledgling AA adherents will spend Christmas and New Year's with others going through one of several "alcathons" in and around Honolulu. The 36-hour gatherings offer around-the-clock support for recovering alcoholics feeling vulnerable during the holidays, said a spokesman.
They sit quietly waiting for the meeting to begin.
By the looks of them, this cross-section of Oahu citizenry could be gathered for an adult education class or a sales briefing. But there's no high-pressure pitch here, no hype or door prizes. Just straight talk and a message of hope.
Guys like Andy light the way.
Sober for the past 36 years, it's been a long time since Andy craved a drink. But he still remembers waking up with no recollection of what he'd done the night before and thoughts of suicide sloshing into his consciousness. He remembers Christmastime: lonely and afraid.
"Fifty percent of people with addictions come from dysfunctional families," he said.
"They come from addiction and abuse. They've had some pretty rotten experiences. Some have pretty slender relationships with their families. It's enough to leave them with some pretty bitter feelings."
Feelings that can be magnified this time of year.
"Everybody's supposed to be warm and happy during the holidays," he noted.
That's a surefire recipe for stress.
Then there are those like Leslie, whose relationship with booze escalated through the years until, exhausted and thoroughly depressed, she finally confronted her problem after one too many lost weekends.
Or Tim, who marked four years of sobriety Monday with his AA friends at the downtown YWCA.
For them, the season is now a time of great joy, an opportunity to savor relationships and life.
But this year has been a difficult one for Linda. The holidays haven't been any better.
"Sometimes life sucks," she said. "But no matter what, I don't take a drink."
That's where her AA friends (many known on a first-name basis only) come in, offering strength on a weekly - or more frequent - basis. They base their support on a basic inventory of principals called the 12 steps of AA. They begin meetings with the now-ubiquitous prayer: "God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference;" they end with the Lord's Prayer.
In between, they share stories, offer encouragement and mark milestones, no matter how humble.
"There's a lot of love in this room," said Jane, her eyes bright. "My cup's running over."
Andy agreed and offered his best advice for the holiday season. "Above all, don't drink and drive," he cautioned.
"Take advantage of all the programs that offer rides.
"Please consider the other person and yourself. And spread aloha without having to use alcohol or drugs."
Andy hopes those who need a helping hand will join the party.
"If they can find what I found, they will be immeasurably blessed," he said. "I would wish that for anyone as my gift."
Several Alcathons are being sponsored by Alcoholics Anonymous to provide support for those struggling with alcohol problems this holiday season. The 24- to 36-hour marathon meetings are scheduled for: The Alcathon schedule
St. George's Church at the end of Main Street off Valkenburg, 10 a.m. today until 10 p.m. Christmas Day and again 10 a.m. Dec. 31 through 10 p.m. New Year's Day.