Away, clutching can, and sober (9)
I believe the answer is:
abstinent
'sober' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)
'away clutching can' is the wordplay.
'away' becomes 'absent' (similar in meaning).
'clutching' means one lot of letters goes inside another.
'can' becomes 'tin' (both are metal containers).
'absent' enclosing 'tin' is 'ABSTINENT'.
'and' is the link.
(Other definitions for abstinent that I've seen before include "without booze" , "Keeping off alcohol" , "On the wagon" , "self-control" , "Forsaking alcohol" .)