What is a three quarter way house?

In order to understand what a three quarter way house, it’s essential for you to know what a sober house, or halfway house is.

Sober Living in a Nutshell

Sober and halfway houses are also called recovery houses, and they are designed to support recovering addicts with staying clean and sober while reintegrating with society by offering support and accountability through random drug screens and signed meeting lists.

Halfway Houses and Three Quarter Way Houses

So, what is a three quarter way house? The main differences between a halfway house and a three quarter way house are length of sobriety, commitment, and added freedoms, such as later curfews.

Recovering addicts moving into a halfway house generally have less time in sobriety as those living in three quarter way houses as the latter is a step down from the former. Basically, once someone graduates a program such as inpatient treatment, it is suggested that they then move into a halfway house. After living there for some time, usually about 6 to 8 months, they then have the option of moving into a three quarter way house.

The benefits of moving into a three quarter way house after living in a halfway house is that you earn more liberties, such as later curfews both on weekdays and weekends. You may still have to turn in a weekly signed meeting sheet that shows you are attended meetings often. Also, you are subject to random drug screens, as a measure of accountability. Many people in early recovery actually appreciate these aspects because they know it will help them in living a sober lifestyle and to be successful in their recovery.

Benefits to Living in Sober Housing

Studies show that recovering addicts and alcoholics who live in sober houses, such as three quarter way houses, are at less of a risk of relapse than recovering addicts who go directly back to their previous living situations once they have completed a treatment program, because it leaves them without any additional support. On the other hand, people choose to live in a three quarter way house have the added support of living with sober peers.

Another benefit to living in sober housing is the access to government aid programs. That’s because residents of sober houses are technically considered to be homeless and as therefore are eligible for much of the same programs as homeless populations.

Food Assistance

People living in sober houses are eligible for food assistance such as food stamp programs. The federal nutrition program that helps you make sure you get enough food, and healthy food at that, is called SNAP (the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program). SNAP benefits allow you to buy food at convenience stores, grocery stores, and even some farmers’ markets.

Rental Assistance

Depending on the state in which you live and sometimes even the community in which you live, there are rental assistance programs and other supportive services available to homeless substance abusers and individuals with disabilities. These services might be extended to your family members as well.

Health Insurance

For some people living in sober houses, there is access to the federal health insurance program, Medicaid. Many people who are getting out of treatment are only just getting back on their own feet and so they are likely to be income-eligible for Medicaid. Also, Obamacare is available to all now, and especially those in this income bracket.

What to Expect at a Three Quarter Way House  

Recovering addicts and alcoholics living in three quarter way houses are responsible for supporting themselves by paying their rent and purchasing their own food. And this is possible because, at this point, sober house residents are encouraged, supported, and even required to be working or at least actively seeking work.  Three quarter way house residents also have certain rules and regulations to abide by which, again, offer structure and support while they transition back into society. Usually, residents must attend a minimum number of support group meetings (such as 12 Step fellowship meetings) each week, abide by set curfews, and are subject to random drug testing.

The main financial benefit to moving into a three quarter way house after completing treatment and then living in a halfway house is that there is no security deposit required, no first and last months’ rent required, and no credit checks. Utilities are included in the cost of rent and most places allow residents to pay their rent on a weekly basis. This is much more manageable for many who are just getting back on their feet.

If you are struggling with substance abuse or addiction, or suspect that a loved one is, there is help available. Or, if you are newly sober and looking for resources such as an intensive outpatient program (IOP) or information on halfway houses and three quarter way houses, we can help. Call an Addictions Specialist today at toll-free 1-800-951-6135 day or night. We’re here to help and you are not alone.