Knowing that inpatient drug rehab treatment is ahead of you can feel overwhelming, but you are not alone. Nearly 2.5 million people receive addiction treatment every year, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. But not knowing how to prepare yourself for this monumental part of your addiction journey can add even more stress.
What to Pack for Rehab
Entering yourself or a loved one into drug rehab is a step in the right direction. If you or a loved one is entering into an inpatient rehab treatment facility, knowing what to include in a rehab packing list will be helpful.
Most rehabs have strict policies about what you can and cannot bring to treatment. Most rehab treatment centers allow patients to bring just the necessities. Rehab packing lists may vary by facility as each treatment center has its own guidelines so it is best to contact the rehabilitation treatment center you hope to enroll in for updated information.
To reduce your stress on entering into a rehab facility, here are some tips on what you should bring as well as what you should refrain from bringing to a rehabilitation treatment center.
Do Bring
It is easy to forget even the simplest and most basic items when entering into an inpatient treatment facility. To ease your stress, some items you should add to your rehab packing list are as follows.
Clothing
Ensure you have enough clothes to cover the length of your stay. If you have an extended stay ahead of you, inquire about laundry facilities and whether you should bring your own detergent or small change for operating laundry machines.
Also be sure to inquire about any dress codes at the facility you plan to attend as many inpatient treatment centers have them. You may need night clothes/pajamas, slippers and/or a robe. It is also a good idea to bring layers to wear for colder climates or early mornings or evenings. Bring appropriate swimwear as well as any clothing necessary for special events.
Clothes recommended to bring include:
- Workout clothing and/or exercise shoes
- Pants
- Shorts (check with any dress code to be sure the length of yours complies)
- Socks
- Shirts including cardigans or sweatshirts for when it is cold indoors
- A bathing suit that complies with facility regulations
- Undergarments
- Socks
- A belt
- A bathrobe
- Slippers
Toiletries
Any items you need to keep yourself clean are recommended to bring, including toiletries like shampoo, conditioner, body wash or any other item free of alcohol-based ingredients. Deodorant and shaving supplies are also typically permitted in addition to feminine hygiene products and lotions, if needed.
Many facilities already offer bed linens and towels but it is best to inquire head of time to ensure these items are available.
Personal Items
Plan to bring valid picture identification in addition to your insurance card and any list of emergency contacts you may have. Included in your phone number list should be a medical professional, any next of kin and an emergency contact.
Most programs do not allow use of cell phones so a prepaid calling card or change for a payphone will be useful. You will also need some form of money for anything else you might want to purchase on site. Find out before registering what the policy is and whether cash is allowed or if you need a prepaid bank card for purchase.
Any prescriptions you have must also be brought for your visit and should be filled for the duration of your stay. Any liquid prescriptions should be sealed and newly filled, Also bring your prescription and dosages. If you have an unfilled prescription to bring along, the label must be intact and recent.
Bring a small amount of cash, a debit card, and/or a checkbook to pay for any snacks at vending machines, store runs, and/or treatment medications in addition to anything else you might need.
A notebook or journal will also prove to be helpful during your treatment journey so you can keep track of your progress while jotting down anything you have learned.
Other personal items, such as personal hygiene items that you should bring may include:
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Body wash
- Deodorant
- Brush/comb
- Shaving cream
- Lotion
- Razors for shaving
- Hair styling products
- Sunscreen
Materials for Down Time
Your rehab packing list should also include items for personal or down time. Many patients bring photos of their loved ones, a journal or crafts such as knitting, painting or crocheting. Books are also typically welcome but each treatment center usually requires that literature be checked before it is brought in.
Don’t Bring
Most treatment centers have policies about what cannot be brought in during inpatient rehabilitation treatment.
First of all, no drugs or alcohol are permitted in virtually every facility, including any traces that contain traces of alcohol, such as face washes or astringents and pain medications that contain narcotics.
Outside food or drinks are typically not allowed at many programs if they are, there are restrictions.
Cell phones are allowed in some inpatient treatment programs but not all so it is important you find out ahead of time whether your or your loved one can bring a cell phone.
Candles, pornographic materials, weapons, sharp items and personal razors or nail clippers are likely not allowed. Some items, such as shower items, may be allowed during shower time but will be checked in and out during each shower session.
Clothing that is not considered modest or that is revealing may not be admitted and should be avoided when putting together a rehab packing list.
Have Questions About Rehab? Ask Us Today at My Recovery Source
If you are unsure about which items are best to pack while undergoing inpatient or partial hospitalization addiction treatment. My Recovery Source may be able to help you as we have done the work for you. Whether you are in pursuit of an addiction treatment facility near you or just need more information about how you can get ready for treatment, reach out to us today.
