I went through a similiar period as with your son, and i was mighty proud of what i did accomplish. For what i was sent there for, it did help me considerably, i no longer felt like the world owed me something and was nolonger just a whiney little kid that mouthed off to every single person that ever tried to help me. I realized that i was no better than anyone else--no smarter no stronger no more moral-- and when i graduated i was filled with "little wisdoms". I will always respect RCA, and like your son i was struck with some nostalgia when i left --its alot simpler and the emotions are genuine and not watered down with bullshit.
When i first got out i stayed clean, respected my mother, and got As in school. But the thing is i had alot of difficulty with explaining what i had gone through with my peers (i had failed the 8th grade the previous year so i was still in middle school--this compounded with my new found maturity doubly increased any difficult i had adjusting). I was the 'bad' kid even if i tried to reform myself. I eventually gave in to these temptations and found myself chillin with punk/skinhead crews which i guess got me into this mentality that got me into trouble. But atleast im not like i was.
My mom when i got out was paranoid, like extremely paranoid--for example if there was dry wall dust on my desk shed think i was doing coke (when all i did up to that point was smoke pot and drink), and if i got a soda can shed think i was making a pipe out of it just shit like that all the time. I wasnt alowed out after school, and she wouldnt let me listen to my music claiming that it would 'brainwash' me. This all pissed me off, as in NA that i had to go to the biggest junkies in the world had more freedom than i did. I guess my advice would to trust your son enough so that he atleast feels human, and not just imprisoned in his own damn house. With little freedoms like being able to go out with friends, he wont feel too obliged to break rules in order to have any fun. Plus my mom drinks, so yea less you do i dont think you have much to worry about.
I was engaged in my treatment, but it only lasted while i was in treatment. After a while you lose the emotional etatchment for RCA and it just becomes another memory, just another scar. I do think id like to revist sometime though.
best of luck with your kid
-cheers n beers-