^{From Recovery Articles}

One of the best things about early sobriety is rediscovering the simple joys of connection, laughter, and community. A huge part of that, especially in sober living homes, is playing games. Whether it’s an intense board game, a ridiculous party game, or something active like pickleball, games bring people together, help pass the time, and remind us that we don’t need substances to have a great time.

When I was in my first sober living in Mid-City LA, we played a lot of Cards Against Humanity, and I fell in love with it. It was the first time in a long time I had laughed that hard. Later, I relapsed but ended up back at another sober house in Sherman Oaks, and this time, it seemed like everyone wanted to play Mafia. That game had a totally different vibe—more strategic, intense, and suspenseful—but it still had that same magic of bringing people together.

Here are the top 10 games people play in recovery—whether you’re in sober living, an intensive outpatient program, or just hanging out with other people in recovery.

1. Mafia (The Ultimate Group Game)

Best for large groups: Mafia often brings about bonding, and friendly arguments Mafia is a classic social game that’s perfect for sober living houses because it gets people engaged, thinking, and laughing. The game works like this:

• Players are secretly assigned roles (Mafia, Townspeople, Doctor, Sheriff, etc.).
• The Mafia tries to eliminate players, while the rest of the group works together to figure out who the Mafia members are.
• There’s a lot of strategy, bluffing, and hilarious accusations—which makes it perfect for late nights in recovery housing.

At that sober house in Sherman Oaks, we played Mafia for hours, and it became a real bonding experience. You start to see different personalities come out—some people are sneaky and manipulative, while others are way too trusting.

2. Settlers of Catan (The Classic Strategy Game)

Best for small groups who love strategy, Catan is one of those board games that sucks you in and keeps you playing way longer than you planned. It’s a mix of strategy, trading, and luck, and it’s amazing for building friendships in early recovery.

• You build settlements, trade resources (wheat, sheep, brick, ore, and wood), and try to outmaneuver other players.
• The game is competitive but not in an aggressive way—there’s a lot of negotiation and deal-making.

A lot of recovery houses end up with a Catan board, and once someone gets obsessed, everyone else follows.

3. Cards Against Humanity (Wild & Ridiculous Fun)

Best for breaking the ice, dark humor, and not taking life too seriously. Cards Against Humanity is basically the ultimate party game for people in recovery. The humor is dark, inappropriate, and completely ridiculous—which makes it the perfect distraction when you’re adjusting to sober life.

As I mentioned, my introduction to the game was at a sober house in Mid-City, and have been hooked ever since. This game was a staple at that house. It was a weirdly good way to bond because everyone’s sense of humor comes out, and people aren’t afraid to be goofy.

4. Never Have I Ever (Great for Storytelling & Bonding)

Best for late-night talks, getting to know people, and laughing at old mistakes. This game can go in two very different directions in a sober living house:

1. A hilarious way to bond and share ridiculous past experiences
2. A deep, emotional conversation that reminds everyone why they’re sober

Either way, it works. The best part about playing in recovery is that nobody is drinking—you’re just swapping stories, learning about each other, and realizing you’re not alone.

5. Pickleball (The Sport That’s Taking Over Recovery Homes)

Best for exercise: Also competition, and getting outside. Pickleball is blowing up in sober livings in the US, and for good reason:

• It’s easy to learn
• You don’t have to be athletic to play
• It’s competitive without being too intense

A lot of sober living houses have started organizing friendly pickleball tournaments, and it’s become one of the best ways to get some endorphin-boosting movement without feeling like you’re “working out.”

6. Bowling (A Classic Recovery Outing)

Best for group outings: Who doesn't love friendly competition, and socializing outside the house. Every sober living home needs some go-to group activities for the weekends, and bowling is always a hit. It’s casual, fun, and the perfect mix of competitive and relaxed. Plus, it’s one of the few social activities where nobody cares if you’re drinking or not.

Bowling nights are a great way to get out of the house and have fun with your sober crew without any pressure to drink or use.

7. Uno (Simple, Competitive, and Always Fun)

Best for quick or short sessions: Don't be fooled by it's simplicity, this classic card game is great for intense competition, and bragging rights amongst your friends. Uno is the perfect no-pressure game that somehow often turns into the most competitive thing ever. It’s super easy to learn, which makes it great for newcomers in recovery, and the reverses, skips, and Draw 4s always lead to laughing and playful trash talk.

8. Chess (For the Deep Thinkers in Recovery)

Best for mental stimulation: The strategy, and mental exercise is offers is unparalleled. Some people in recovery really gravitate toward strategy games, and chess is one of the best. It’s slow, thoughtful, and requires patience—all things that are great for developing a recovery mindset.

A lot of sober houses have chess boards, and you’ll often see two people quietly locked in a match while others watch and comment.

9. Jenga (Great for Icebreakers & Nerve-Wracking Fun)

Best for early recovery bonding: Also a great tool for breaking the ice, and friendly tension. Jenga seems simple, but when the tower starts to lean dangerously, people get way too invested. It’s a perfect low-key game that still gets everyone engaged. Plus, it’s a great conversation starter, especially in early sobriety when social anxiety is high.

10. Monopoly (The Classic Game That Never Ends)

Best for business minded types: A lot of people these days are interested in business and economics and some this is an excellent competitive game to nurture that social type: Monopoly is one of those games that people either love or absolutely hate, but there’s no denying it’s a sober living classic. Some houses even have their own long-running, multi-day Monopoly games where people jump in and out between meetings, work, and daily life.If you want to test your patience (or your ability to not flip the board in frustration), Monopoly is the game for you.

Final Thoughts: Games Make Sober Living Fun

Recovery is about more than just staying sober—it’s about learning how to have fun again without substances. Games are a huge part of that because they help break the ice, build friendships, and make life in a sober house feel more like home.

Whether it’s a wild night of Mafia, a heated game of Settlers of Catan, or a ridiculous round of Cards Against Humanity, these games remind us that laughter, connection, and fun are essential parts of the sober journey.

What’s your favorite game to play in recovery? Drop it in the comments!