Substance abuse rehab centers are filled with mostly young people now. I was afraid my difficult child would be the youngest there at age 19 and I was shocked to find probably 75% of the residents were 18-25, with most being 18-21. The counselors explained that what we use to think about rehab centers being filled with middle age men or women does not apply now. Drugs are the main thing that puts people in rehab and the majority of middle/older people who abuse substances do not go to rehab. It's the younger people who are either sent there by their parents or employer or ordered through the court system. There were a few people in their 30's and one two in their 40's when difficult child was there but they were all there because of their employer.
I don't know where you live but I would definitely recommend the one we used. A couple suggestions I have is to do a lot of research on the treatment center and find out what thier daily schedule is. You want something that is very structured with not a lot of down time. Also make sure they do not allow cell phones or any other electronic devices. Treatment is not effective if they have contact with the outside world via texts/cell calls/facebook etc. The last thing you need is for him to be in contact with his druggie friends. Also make sure they have a family program as part of their treatment since the family is very much affected. I thought I knew everything I needed to know about alcoholism and boy was I mistaken. The family program on Sundays was so benefical and gave us a chance to interact with our difficult child in an honest and open manner in the safety of a therapeutic setting. I don't think her treatment would have been half as beneficial without it. It was a big commitment but one that was well worth it.
From what I have observed the length of treatment is usually 30-90 days with 60 days as the average. I suggest finding one whose treatment plan progresses in stages with detox being the initial phase, then progressing into the regular unit, with an extended stay phase towards the end. In difficult child's treatment center they went to the wing or extended stay house on property after 30 days. They allowed off premises social outings one day a week and short passes to leave the property and a home day pass the last week. Drug/alcohol tests were given upon return from any outing or pass. The residents in extended care were also permitted to attend AA meetings off premises on certain days to acquaint them with the process for when they were released.
It would also be beneficial to make sure the rehab center had halfway houses that could be used at the end of treatment if the person was not ready to return home. And most of all, there should be intensive outpatient program as part of the treatment once the person returns home.
I would check into your insurance now to determine what benefits you have. In all honesty the level of treatment a person gets is usually determined by the amount of insurance you have. We saw many people have to leave treatment before they were ready because benefits ran out. We have a very high deductible and very few inpatient mental health days so our insurance ended up paying $3,000 and we had to pay the rest. Many families took out loans to pay for treatment. Most rehab centers charge less after the initial 30 day stay.
Our rehab used the 12 step program with heavy emphasis on group and individual therapy sessions. These sessions were most beneficial. Any problems that came up during the day with residents were usually handled by the residents themselves in group.
While the male and female patients were kept separate in the living quarters they were together for meetings and meals and free time. I wish that they were kept separate in free time since there were several problems that came up because of this.
I would ask what percentage of patients are court ordered as opposed to voluntary. We found most problems occurred with court ordered patients, however they were quickly kicked out if they did not follow the rules or were disruptive.
Find out from your son's PO if you can make treatment part of his release. That way he will have no choice to attend. Although I seem to be taking out of both sides of my mouth here, if that's the only way you can get him in it's worth it.
If I think of anything else I will let you know.
Nancy
P.S. Your son being almost 19 will be one of the youngest since most rehabs do not allow adolescents with adults, however as I said earlier most all of the residents were her age.