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Desert Island Club offers refuge during holidays
The Desert Island Club is a safe haven for recovering alcoholics. Founded more than 25 years ago and located at 501 Josephine Ave., the club is described by patrons as a place to go when temptation strikes. It helps them draw strength from others who struggle with similar issues. The club offers card rooms, a television room, pool tables and video games. It also hosts an array of Alcoholics Anonymous meetings for members and non-members. The club hosts a Narcotics Anonymous meeting on Tuesdays. In addition to the meetings and amenities, the club holds sober parties on holidays. There are some for adults, some for children - such as the Christmas party on Dec. 20 - and some as a mixture for family gatherings. But what sets the club apart is its annual “Alkathon” where they are open for 24-hours for seven days. The “Alkathon” takes place from Dec. 24-31. They host meetings and act as a refuge for its patrons who have nowhere else to go. “The holidays are a bad time for recovering alcoholics,” said a volunteer manager who did not wish to be identified. “You burn a lot of bridges with family and friends when you’re an alcoholic and with the way your life turns out. You find you have no people that want to be around you. But during this time (when the club stays open 24 hours) there are always people around and anyone is welcome to come in.” The normal hours of operation for the club are from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., but the manager said they are always willing to stay open later if someone needs it. “Sometimes recovering alcoholics have a tendency to find old friends and get into situations that are not safe for them,” he said. “This club is where you can come if you need to get some space in between your old life and the new one you are working on.” The Desert Island Club is membership driven and costs $15 a month, which benefits the operation of the club. The club also welcomes non-members or those looking for help. For information on the club or meeting times call 274-5800.
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