What should I bring with me to rehab?

So, you have made the very important decision to check into rehab-congratulations! Whether it is for a drug or alcohol addiction, or both, you’ve made a decision that will turn your life around for the better. Staying in a residential treatment facility lets you leave the triggers and stresses of your life at home behind you, allowing you to focus completely on your treatment and impending sobriety.

Of course, you likely have a few questions you would like answered before you get there. Everyone wonders what they can and cannot bring to a treatment center. Every rehab will have different rules, but you can expect a strict policy concerning what you can bring with you and what you must leave at home. Most facilities will provide you with a recommended packing list along with a list of items that are prohibited on the grounds.

The Admissions Process

The first step to your program will be the admissions process. At this time, you will tie up any loose ends about payments and other minor details. A team member will check your bags to make sure you are not bringing any prohibited items into the facility. Many facilities will make a note of what you bring in to make sure you leave with everything you came with when your program is through. Treatment facilities allow their residents to bring in necessities, but extra items will vary by the actual center. Some places will be stricter than others, so it is always a good idea to ask for their list of allowed items before you begin packing.

Bringing the Necessities

In most cases, you will be allowed to bring the following necessities. Again, each center varies.

  • Personal jewelry that is worn every day, such as a wedding ring or watch
  • A small amount of cash for any vending machines
  • Your debit card, credit card, and/or checkbook
  • Any current prescription medication that you take, in the original bottle from the pharmacy with an intact information label
  • Your health insurance card
  • A phone calling card for long-distance calls (unless you are allowed a cell phone)
  • A journal or notebook for personal journaling
  • Pictures of friends, children, and family
  • Envelopes, stamps, and stationery
  • Bibles or self-help books

What Type of Clothing to Bring

Most facilities have strict dress codes, so consider each item carefully as you pack. A good rule of thumb is to pack for all kinds of weather. Bring clothes for both cold and warm weather, but don’t overpack. You will likely have limited space for your wardrobe. You’ll be given access to a washer and dryer at your facility, so enough clothing for one week is usually enough. You won’t want to pack any clothes that require hand-washing or dry cleaning.

Consider the following clothes:

  • Undergarments- underwear, bras, and socks
  • Comfortable shoes- tennis shoes and shower flip-flops
  • T-shirts- comfortable t-shirts with no vulgar language, drug references, or gang-related pictures
  • Pants- Jeans, leggings, shorts, and sweatpants
  • A “dressy” outfit for any special events
  • Pajamas, bathrobe, and slippers, if desired
  • Jackets- a windbreaker, hoodie, and/or heavy jacket
  • Belts and hats, if desired

Personal Hygiene Products

It’s important to bring in alcohol-free toiletries and beauty supplies. Aerosol products are usually prohibited. You can bring in the following:

  • Deodorant
  • Body Wash
  • Shampoo and conditioner
  • Toothpaste and toothbrush
  • Brush or comb
  • Hair styling products
  • Feminine hygiene supplies
  • Hand lotion
  • Sunscreen
  • Makeup
  • Shaving cream and razor
  • Hand sanitizer (alcohol-free)

A good rule of thumb is to bring a 30-day supply of hygiene products when you are in for a four-week program.

Remember, each facility will have different rules about what can and cannot be brought in during your program. Items that will be prohibited will include, but are not limited to, alcohol, drugs, weapons, video games, candles, revealing clothes, pornography, sporting equipment, and any clothing or material with pornographic or vulgar language or images. Some rehabs will allow patients to bring electronic cigarettes and cell phones while others will not. Again, ask for a list from the center you are headed to when you want to make sure.

Call Today for More Information

We’re here to help in any way that we can. We can be reached at 833-846-5669 for more information on our programs.