A sober game room opening in Sharpsburg is expected to be a game changer for people in addiction recovery.

“It’s designed for fellowship because people with addiction issues need support and camaraderie,” said Larry Wagner, a Fox Chapel resident and board member of the Addiction Recovery Ministry who is spearheading the effort.

“Where can they go to throw darts — a bar? That’s not what we want.”

The arcade-style social room will open at 7 p.m. Sept. 27 at the John Paul I Center along Ninth Street. Hours are 7 to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

Founded in 2019 by the late Rev. Michael Decewicz, ARM aims to combat the growing drug problem across the region.

In the past year, there were more than 4,300 overdose deaths in the state, with opioids responsible for the majority of incidents, according to the national Centers for Disease Control. Allegheny County had the second-highest number of overdose deaths in the state, with 50 deaths for every 100,000 residents.

According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, about 10.5% of state residents reported using illegal drugs in the past month.

“People with addiction struggles need more safe spaces,” said Rosemarie Haas, the ministry’s interim director.

“Especially the young people. Bars are not safe spaces if you are in recovery.”

The game room is sure to please a variety of interests. It is complete with a full-size Atari arcade unit, pool table, air hockey table, ping pong table and dartboard.

“There’s room for indoor basketball, cornhole and big-screen TV,” Haas said, adding a refrigerator will be stocked with pop and water. Participants will be treated to free popcorn.

“We’re going in the direction that Father (Decewicz) wanted,” she said. “He wanted more socialization for people. He wanted to get them here to talk about their issues and feel a part of something.”

Decewicz was a longtime leader at St. Juan Diego Parish in Sharpsburg. Never shy about his battle with alcohol, he spearheaded the ministry and spent years growing it from St. Francis of Assisi in Harmar.

Decewicz had a vision of welcoming those with struggles into his flock for spirituality, education and encouragement. The ministry, now back in Sharpsburg, offers weekly meetings for addicts and families, along with employment help, social gatherings and other programs.

In 2023, ARM served 700 people through Alcoholics Anonymous, Al-Anon, Narcotics Anonymous and other meetings, and it helped 50 people with grief support and 150 people with “6 Steps to Sanity” classes. The group served 3,600 lunches to the Light of Life Rescue Mission in Pittsburgh.

Haas said she is hoping to start a relapse-prevention program in the coming months.

“We’re moving and grooving, helping people where we can,” she said.

Originally funded by the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh, Haas said the group seeks grants to help cover expenses.

Up next, the ministry will celebrate its third annual Celebration of Recovery on Sept. 21, marking the legacy of Decewicz with music and art. Attendees will get a sneak peek of the game room.

On Oct. 5, there will be a free laptop class for beginners as part of a self-help series that will include classes on cooking and financial planning. The following day, a bingo will benefit ARM’s bagged lunch program for the Light of Life.

All three events will be at the John Paul 1 Center.

The events are open to people of any denomination.

“I think it’s all splendid,” Wagner said. “We’re hoping a lot of people show up and that word spreads like wildfire.”