You have probably heard—or even used—the expression, “It’s all fun and games until someone gets hurt.” In this blog post, we are going to look at several classic games to consider ideas about substance use disorders, the treatment of those disorders, and the recovery journey that follows treatment. A substance use disorder is definitely something that can hurt you (and others as well), and thinking about a few fun games in specific ways can help you remember why you need to get help and reclaim your life.
A Substance Use Disorder Is Undeniably Trouble
If you have ever played Trouble, odds are good that what you remember best about it is its distinctive “Pop-O-Matic”—a plastic bubble you press down to “roll” the die inside. The popping sound made by the Pop-O-Matic might be the best part of the game.
When it comes to substance use disorders, however, there is no best part. It would be wonderful if a lucky roll (or pop) of a die could get you out of trouble, but that is not how it works, of course. Instead, the way to escape the trouble caused by drugs or alcohol is to seek out effective treatment.
When Your Recovery Is Underway, You May Have to Say, “Sorry!”
In the game of Sorry!, players are hoping to land on spaces occupied by their opponents so they can bump those pieces out of position and gain an advantage. That means most of the apologies delivered in Sorry! are sarcastic.
But when your recovery journey is getting underway, you may find yourself needing to apologize to quite a number of people in your life. That is because a substance use disorder can lead to all sorts of erratic, destructive, and hurtful behaviors. Once you have been through treatment and are in recovery, it is a good idea to ask those you have hurt for forgiveness.
It is important to note that some may give that forgiveness freely, some may need some time, and others may find themselves unable to forgive you. But no matter how people respond, taking responsibility and offering sincere apologies is important to your recovery efforts.
You Might Experience Metaphorical Chutes and Ladders in Recovery
In the game known as Chutes and Ladders, players land on spaces that can move them quickly up the board (ladders) or spaces that move them back down the board (chutes). Sometimes, the recovery journey can feel like you are playing an endless version of the game.
That is because some days will feel easy, and you will feel confident that your recovery will last and last. Other days will feel hard, and it might seem like you cannot possibly keep your recovery intact. It can be difficult, if not impossible, to predict when the good days will arise and when the challenging days will arrive. That can feel discouraging and frustrating.
But in order to win at Chutes and Ladders, a player has to keep trying to move forward, dealing with setbacks as they come up. The same is true in recovery—even if you experience a relapse and need to start your recovery again from the very beginning. Doing what it takes to start moving forward again is always your best move when it comes to leaving drugs or alcohol behind.
Do Not Mistake Treatment and Recovery for Trivial Pursuits
So far, we have been applying aspects of various games directly to issues related to treatment and recovery. For this last example, however, we want to turn to a game in order to highlight what recovery is not: a trivial pursuit.
Trivial Pursuit first appeared in 1981. It was a sensation, and over the years many, many variations of the game have been released. Each version follows the same basic structure: players move around a board answering trivia questions and collecting pie-shaped rewards that can be dropped in their game piece. When the piece is full, they can head to the center of the board in the hope of winning the game. The kinds of questions vary from version to version, allowing people with all sorts of niche knowledge to enjoy one or more editions of the game.
Treatment and recovery are anything but a trivial pursuit. Sure, you might have to answer questions (e.g. What is the best way for me to manage cravings?) from time to time, but the answers are vital to your ongoing recovery. Keeping the importance of your recovery efforts in the forefront of your mind is the best way to ensure you keep moving forward.
Bel Aire Recovery Center Is Among the Very Best
Bel Aire Recovery Center has been named to a list of the best substance use disorder treatment facilities in the nation for 2026. We are grateful for the recognition, of course, but even more important to us is that honor reveals our commitment to providing the highest quality services for those who are struggling with a substance use disorder.
Located near Wichita, Kansas, Bel Aire Recovery Center offers medically supervised detoxification, a robust rehabilitation program, and an alumni program that keeps the people we serve connected to others who understand their journey. When you are ready to leave substances in your past, we are ready to help you claim a brighter future.
