In 2019, more than 4.2 million individuals received treatment for a drug use disorder (SUD), and many of these individuals enrolled in residential inpatient programs.1 Making the bold decision to enter treatment for drug or alcohol abuse is the first step toward a better, healthier life. And while you get ready, you might be considering what to bring to rehab to guarantee a comfortable stay so you can concentrate on healing. The following packing list for rehab can be a useful resource for determining what you may and may not need as well as what goods are probably forbidden, even if no two treatment facilities are precisely comparable.
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What to Bring to Rehab?
To guarantee that patients are given a comfortable and safe environment to support their recovery, many rehabs have strict rules about what you can and cannot bring. It’s a good idea to get in touch with the treatment center in advance to see if they have a rehab packing list they provide patients as you research what to bring to residential inpatient treatment. In the event that they don’t, many rehab centers are happy to give advice on what to bring to rehab and can walk you through the items that are allowed and those that they might supply so you don’t overpack or under pack.
The general list of items to bring to rehab, which includes clothing, toiletries, and personal items that may make you feel more at ease while there, is provided below.
Clothing
Bring modest, everyday clothing items with you when you pack for rehab. Form-fitting, revealing clothing should be avoided, as should attire that makes any references to alcohol, drugs, or other potentially offensive or triggering imagery. When choosing what to pack, it’s a good idea to take the location of the treatment facility, its climate, and the length of your stay into account. Don’t overpack because there might be a limited amount of space.
Shirts. Bring a variety of shirts with short and long sleeves. Tank tops and low-cut tops should be avoided when packing because they might violate the dress code.
Pants. You might want to bring your favorite pair of full-length pants, such as jeans, slacks, or something similar. Some treatment centers might permit shorts as long as they are the proper length.
Shoes. Bring daily-wearable, comfortable shoes. For sports you might play, such as tennis and hiking, a reliable pair of tennis shoes will be useful. Flip-flops or sandals are appropriate for the locker room.
Toiletries
Keep in mind when packing your daily toiletries that some products, such as aerosols, perfumes, and mouthwash, might be restricted if they contain alcohol or are deemed dangerous for other reasons. Be sure to check with the treatment center in advance to see if other items, such as over-the-counter medications, supplements, and vitamins, may be permitted on a case-by-case basis as long as they are sealed. Toothbrush and toothpaste are among the toiletries you should pack.
- Hair conditioner and shampoo.
- Hairbrush.
- Deodorant.
- Lotion.
- Shaving lotion.
- Sunscreen.
Activewear.
- Bring comfortable, outdoor- and fitness-friendly clothing that you can move around in for physical activity.
- A little bit more formal attire. There may be formal or family nights for patients at some treatment facilities.
- Pajamas.
- Slippers.
- Robe.
- Undergarments.
- Swimming gear. Remember that some treatment centers might demand that women wear one-piece swimsuits.
Individual Items
The following personal items can make your stay in rehab more comfortable and convenient, the following personal items can help. Keep in mind that depending on the subject, some items, like books, may or may not be permitted. Many treatment centers offer books on-site or recommend reading self-help and spirituality-related books. Personal belongings to bring comprise:
- A driver’s license or another type of ID, such as a passport.
- Medication on prescription. Make sure your prescriptions are current, in their original packaging, and bear the proper labels.
- Cards with insurance.
- Credit/debit cards and cash. Many treatment centers advise you to bring some small bills to use at the shop or the vending machines.
What Not to Bring to Rehabilitation?
As previously stated, it’s a good idea to get in touch with the treatment center to find out exactly what is forbidden. Each treatment center is unique, and some might forbid specific items while others don’t. Even though they are not prohibited, some items—like an alarm clock—might not be necessary since you will have them. Items to avoid bringing to rehab generally include:
- Alcohol.
- Illegal drugs.
- E-cigarettes as well as cigarettes.
Prescription drugs that are not yours or are not in their original packaging.
- Any over-the-counter (OTC) medication that has been opened or is not approved.
- Firearms, such as pocket knives.
- Items with sharp edges, like scissors.
- Valuables. Leave expensive items, like jewelry, at home. You may be allowed to bring jewelry that you wear every day to some facilities, but make sure to confirm this in advance.
- The wrong clothing. It is forbidden to wear clothing that makes any sort of alcohol or drug-related or potentially offensive reference. Bring no clothing that is too suggestive or revealing.
- Alcohol-containing toiletries, such as mouthwash.
Items that are either allowed or not allowed
Check whether the following items are permitted or not as you get ready for rehab:
- Mobile phones. Cell phone use is permitted in some rehab facilities during specific hours of the day. Call in advance to confirm.
- Laptops. Similarly to this, some treatment centers might permit you to bring your laptop for use during specific hours of the day. If having your laptop is important to you, look into executive rehab centers, which treat patients who might occasionally need to conduct business (such as CEOs).
- Tablets.
- Smartwatches.
- E-readers, such as Kindles.
- Cameras.
- Devices for listening to music (such as radios and MP3 players).
- Vitamins, dietary supplements, and over-the-counter medicines.
- Nail files and clippers.
- Razors.
