Hi, I was wondering if anybody knew anything about Second Genesis as far as visting (what is it like), phone calls, day passes, and stuff like that. My son's father was sent there from MCTC last Friday so I know it will be at least Nov. 28 before he can have a visit. Anything you can tell me will be a big help. Thanks:)

I met my exbf at work while he was in 2nd G. (the one in Rockville that is no longer there). He was there for almost 5 months before he relapsed. At that particular location rehab romances were the norm, so instead of focusing on his recovery he was focusing on 'other things'. When he gets out this time he will be going to 2nd G in Crownsville, I think this location has a better reputation. I feel co-ed rehabs are not a very smart way to go about the recovery process. In group, many do not share truthfully because they are trying to impress the opposite sex. Besides the rehab romances not being strictly discouraged, many do not enforce the rules when it comes to telephone calls, visitors, time away from the center, jobs etc. etc. Rehab is NOT a cure, it is a very tiny stepping stone in the life-long recovery process. They will pick up some needed tools to use to help when the cravings and stinkin' thinkin' start. They will learn the basics of the 12-step program that will help them with the process of recovery. But, it is up to the addict to continue the recovery process everyday for the rest of their lives once they leave the rehab.

Thanks for the info. He is at the one in Crownsville. What's sad is that he seemed so hyped about the day rooms and how there was X-Box and Play Station and weights (so he says) and that there are no locks on the doors and the he can leave at anytime but if he does he violates and has to go back to DOC. He also said that the gets day passes and they drop him off at the light rail. I was wondering what it is like to visit there....is it in a big visitation room like at prison or is it in thier own room???

Oh...and how long do you get to visit for...is it the whole time or is it like an hour and do you have to on a visitor list (do they even have that there)? Sorry for all the question, I want to prepare myself if I decide to go through wit hseeing him, it's been about 4 years and there is alot of emotions involved.

I never visited at 2nd G, but at the other 4, 5, 6 however many he was in within a year span there is usually a big day room. But, we usually went outside to visit. Also, we could go out to lunch, to the store, for a walk. Pretty much whatever we wanted to do, not right away though, after he had been there a couple of weeks. No, they don't require visitor lists, at least none of the ones I visited. Visits were usually like on Saturdays and Sundays from 9-12 and than again from 1-4. You could stay for the full 3 hours if you wanted. If they are giving them day passes and dropping them off at the light rail, well that is not a very structured environment, so don't expect him to get a whole lot out of the experience. They don't have their own rooms, usually 2-4 per room. Usually their days are filled with group meetings, individual counseling, chores, and after dinner they either have in-house AA meetings or travel as a group to outside AA meetings. After a couple of months they can seek outside employment, thats when I met my ex. I've posted many things on the drug forum, about addiction, different drugs, codependency and enabling. You might want to take a peek and educate yourself before you decide if you want to put your heart out there again. I haven't seen my ex (crack addict) for almost 5 years, so I know there would be many emotions involved and I cant' go down that path again. Good Luck.

Phone calls are generally made one night a week. In the beginning...they are sometimes allowed a couple extra calls. They usually always have someone sitting next to them during all calls.

Visits, I believe once they reach level 2 are every other weekend from 12 to 5. You can stay the entire time. There are tv rooms inside that can be used or you can choose to sit outside at the picnic tables. You are not allowed into the sleeping areas.

As far as day passes...they are given for different reasons. Say for instance to see a doctor. They will NOT travel alone...they will have a 'strength' with them. And it of course has to be approved by staff.

They will eventually work their way to outside visits. This takes months...it doesn't happen immediatly.

You seem a bit surprised that they don't lock the doors. After all...this is no longer prison. They can very well choose to walk right out...whats life worth? A decision to be made before the step is taken...