Wednesday we introduced you to a man who knows firsthand the danger of drug overdoses during the holidays.

In the second part of our series, we show you how recovering addicts at Westcare, in Pike County, are helping each other survive the Christmas season.

Alcohol, gambling and drugs cost Clint Hulsey his job, marriage and time with his son. A suicide attempt after rehab landed him back at Westcare for the second time.

"People know me now, and they ask you know, 'Why did your wife divorce you?' I'm like, 'Well I would have divorced me too,'" Hulsey says with a laugh.

He says laughter is his medicine. Now graduated from Westcare's recovery program, Hulsey lives and volunteers there.

Hulsey says, "Some of the guys around here will ask me, 'Are you going home for the holidays?' And I stop and I think, you know, because of my addiction, because of what I've chosen in life, I don't truly have a home."

A new meaning of home takes shape in these halls. Beyond the structured chores and routines, the men become family.

Westcare Clinical Director Mike Williams says, "The guys that come to us, they have so many regrets either from missing Christmases, or from resentments that they've had."

They listen to each other, and work to shift the focus to the lighter side of Christmas.

"It helps, it helps a lot knowing you have people that care about you," says Hulsey. "I've got a great place to live, I've got friends, family, I have a job, I don't make a ton of money, but I have things."

Hulsey counts another blessing this year - realizing he's not ready to leave.

He says, "I'm not in a hurry to get away. I still love my son, I'd love to see him more than I do now, but at the same time what's the use if I'm going to be high? So I'm going to take slower steps."

Hulsey finds the silver lining this season, one slow step at a time.

The men in recovery at Westcare have plans to distribute coal to local families in need this winter, and are rehearsing for a special Christmas production December 23rd.