Official Checklist For Rehab
Congratulations, you’ve taken an enormous leap of faith—committing to addiction treatment. The time’s come to plan out the details, arrange your stay, and pack up your bags. Naturally, the treatment centers we work with want you to be comfortable and have whatever items you need during your treatments. They can help you the best regarding what to bring to rehab.
While each alcohol or drug rehab center has its own list of items, there is much crossover and commonalities between the accredited facilities that we work with. Our list includes some universally accepted items and some that depend upon program policy. It’s always great to check with the staff before you go—they’ll be happy to guide you.
Just as planning any trip, try to achieve a balance. While you want all that you need, some facilities might have limits on what is allowable, so you don’t want to overpack. Your success in treatment depends on your relaxation and not focusing on the stress.
Expect a bag inspection upon arrival—this procedure ensures the safety of yourself and other program participants. It’s a typical policy. If any items you bring along are prohibited, the facility is likely to store them for you during the time you spend with them.
Enroll In A Rehab Program Today
(877) 633-0053
Everyday Items You Might Need in Rehab
- Address book with names, addresses, and phone numbers of family and friends.
- ID documents
- Wedding ring, watch, small jewelry that you wear daily
- An alarm clock
- Some cash in small bills
- Credit card, debit card, and/or checks
- Insurance information/cards
- Notepads and envelopes
- Envelopes and stamps
- Photos of your loved ones
Clothing
You’ll be glad to know that laundry facilities are available, so you only need to bring one week’s worth of washer- and dryer-safe clothing. Don’t bother with clothing that requires dry cleaning or ironing. Find out in advance if the facility has a dress code and try to remember that layering is optimal since air-conditioning and heating could make you uncomfortable. The facilities we work with are located in Arizona, Florida, and California, so dress for warmer weather than you might be accustomed to.
- Shirts
- Pants
- Cardigan sweaters
- T-shirts
- Undergarments
- Socks or tights
- Everyday shoes, sneakers, and shower or pool sandals
- Shorts of an appropriate length
- A dressy outfit in case of a special occasion
- A one piece bathing suit for women and swim trunks for men
- A coat or jacket
- Pajamas and bathrobe
- Slippers
- Hats for shade
Enroll In A Rehab Program Today
(877) 633-0053
Personal Hygiene
Nearly all rehab centers, especially accredited facilities, mandate alcohol-free products and don’t permit aerosols. Pack enough supplies for thirty days. Although you will generally have access to shopping and many centers have on-site stores in case you need to make additional purchases. However, it’s simplest to bring your own with you.
- Soap
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Comb or hairbrush
- Deodorant
- Female hygiene products
- Shaving cream
- Disposable razors or electric razors – some centers don’t permit disposables razors, so call in advance
- Face lotions or Sunscreen
- Makeup
Medications
- All prescription medications must remain in the original containers. If they are liquids, they must be new and sealed.
- Over-the-counter medications must be in sealed containers.
- The staff requires a complete list of all your medications and dosing information.
- Some facilities allow vitamins and supplements if they are in sealed and new containers.
Enroll In A Rehab Program Today
(877) 633-0053
Items You Need to Get Permission for
It’s better to check with your facility regarding the following things since some rehabs allow them and some do not—it depends upon your program. It’s often best to leave these at home; if you have to second guess what to bring to rehab or think it might be confiscated, it’s best to avoid the controversy.
- Cell phone
- Laptop or tablet
- Chewing gum
- CD players
- Cameras
- Nail clippers
- Pillows or personal bedding
- Cigarettes
Please Leave These Items At Home
These are items that are typically prohibited:
- Weapons
- Pornography
- Drugs or Alcohol
- Narcotics and prohibited prescriptions
- Outside food or drinks
- Toiletries or beauty products containing alcohol
- OTC medications that are open
- Nail polish or polish remover
- Revealing or inappropriate clothing
- Aerosol sprays
- Cleaning supplies except for laundry detergent
- Electronics (televisions, game consoles)
- Candles or incense
- Clothing with offensive words or images
Final Thoughts on What to Bring to Rehab
Remember that you are going to drug or alcohol rehab to pursue your sobriety and break the bonds of addiction. Don’t overly worry about the packing, prep work, and ensuring you know exactly what to bring to rehab. They aren’t as essential as the fact that you need addiction help! If you inadvertently forget something that you need, the staff is there to assist you.
Don’t let fears about travel or even what to pack hold you back from getting treatment. If you’ve already made the decision to get help, congratulations! If not, please reach out to our dedicated recovery representatives for more information on treatment options nationwide now!
Enroll In A Rehab Program Today
(877) 633-0053
