As you prepare for your drug and alcohol treatment, you’ll likely wonder what to bring to rehab. Ideally, one should always contact their rehab center before deciding on what to pack for rehab since the recommended rehab packing list will vary in each facility.
Clothing You Should Bring To Rehab
Most facilities have some sort of dress code, so be aware of any rules while packing.
It’s best to avoid bringing clothing that are too tight fitting or that display any type of reference to alcohol or drug use, since the imagery can be a morbid reminder to some patients of what they’re battling. Space in rehab centers is usually quite limited, so take care not to overpack!
Clothing should be comfortable, modest, and weather-appropriate. If you’re unsure what the weather will be like while you’re there, pack layering options, such as t-shirts, sweaters, cardigans and jackets. A week’s worth of clothing should be enough, since access to laundry facilities is almost always provided.
Below is a basic rehab checklist for clothing:
- Long sleeved and short sleeved t-shirts
- Sweaters, cardigans and jackets for layering
- Jeans, sweats, chinos or other comfortable pants
- Undergarments
- Socks
- Swimwear: a one-piece for women and trunks for men
- Sleepwear: Pajamas, slippers and a robe
- Shoes: comfortable shoes for everyday wear and flip flops for the shower
- Shorts in case of warmer weather (check first if they’re permitted)
- Sunglasses and a hat
- One or two dressy outfits for family night
Toiletries Packing List For Inpatient Rehab
The general rule is to bring enough toiletries and beauty products to last thirty days. They must be new and unopened, and of course, 100 % alcohol free. For example, most perfumes and mouthwashes contain alcohol and are therefore not permitted. (Bear in mind that some rehab centers allow toiletries with alcohol, as long as alcohol is not listed as one of the first three ingredients. Check with your rehab center before packing!)
Below is a list of suggested toiletries to take to rehab:
- Deodorant
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Hairstyling products (e.g., hairdryer)
- Shampoo, conditioner and body wash
- Makeup
- Hairbrush or comb
- Feminine hygiene products
- Shaving cream
- Electric grooming supplies
- Sunscreen (if necessary)
Hobby Items, Music, Journaling Equipment
Although you’ll be busy partaking in various therapies and recovery-focused activities, you will also have quiet time when you’ll be able to engage in personal hobbies or pastimes. Therefore, it’s a great idea to pack belongings that will help you unwind after an emotionally or physically strenuous day. These should be items that will rejuvenate you and give you energy to continue giving it your all! Again, check with your rehab center before packing to ensure you know what is and isn’t allowed.
Common hobby items to bring to inpatient rehab:
- A camera if you enjoy nature walks and wish to capture the scenery.
- Sketchbooks and pencils are great if you like to get creative.
- Books or magazines if you enjoy reading.
- A tablet is useful, as it saves space if you’re a fast reader and wish to read more than one book.
- Music or other audio devices:
Listening to music can be soothing and calming and also aid recovery in rehab. Bring your MP3 player, but make sure it can’t connect to WiFi if your rehab center doesn’t allow internet. - Journaling equipment:
To further keep yourself occupied during downtime, bring a notebook/ journal and pen to be able to express your thoughts and feelings via the written word. Journaling is a wonderful therapeutic device and an effective way to unwind!
Items That May Not Be Allowed at Rehab
Although most treatment centers have similar guidelines about prohibited items (to ensure your safety and maintain a respectful environment), always check your rehab’s specific rules before you pack. Here is a general list of restricted items that applies to most rehab facilities:
- Drugs and alcohol- Quite obviously, addictive substances can create a highly problematic situation for you, staff, and other patients.
- Weapons- This includes guns, knives, scissors, blades, or other sharp objects
- Candles and incense
- Food or drinks- Nutritious meals are provided to complement treatment plans. If you have specific dietary requirements, be sure to notify the center before admission.
- Electronic cigarettes- These are usually banned due to the ease of swapping out nicotine for marijuana or THC.
- Toiletries that contain alcohol- ex, perfume, mouthwash, aerosols, and nail polish remover.
- Unapproved or previously opened medications- If you have unopened medication or vitamins, notify the staff before entering the facility.
- Revealing clothing or clothing with profanity- As mentioned above, clothing that references drugs, alcohol or profanity can hinder the progress of recovery for some patients.
- Electronics- Leave behind game consoles, television, laptops, cameras, tablets, and smartphones as these will distract you. Disconnecting from the outside world will help maintain focus on your recovery and preserve privacy for other patients in the facility.
Other Important Items to Bring to Rehab:
The following useful personal items are recommended to bring to rehab. Add these items to your packing list for inpatient rehab, as they will help you stay comfortable and connected:
- A directory containing all the names and contact details of people you wish to stay in touch with during your stay in rehab.
- Jewelry that you wear every day and consider a necessity, like a watch or your wedding ring. Other valuables should be left behind.
- Your current prescription medication in its original bottle with its appropriate labels. Liquid medication must be new and sealed. Bring a list of your recommended dosages.
- A small amount of pocket cash.
- Insurance cards and a form of identification e.g., passport, driver’s license etc.
- Credit card or debit card to pay for treatments.
- Stamps and envelopes if you would like to mail letters.
- Printed photos of your loved ones.
- Self-help reading material.
What to Bring to Avenues Inpatient Rehab
Are you wondering what to pack for inpatient rehab at Avenues? For starters, we suggest you bring enough clothing for ten days, since all facilities are equipped with a laundromat where you’ll be able to tend to all your laundry needs. Moreover, since Avenues aims to ensure your stay is of the utmost comfort and satisfaction, we provide everything a patient deems necessary. However, it is still advisable to bring some pocket money for snacks and cigarettes; albeit not over $50 per week.
Below is list of items that should not be brought along during your stay at Avenues:
(See above for all other items that are generally banned across all rehab centers).
- Short shorts
- Ripped t-shirts
- Halter tops
- Bandanas
- Clothing that may expose the midriff, cleavage, buttocks or undergarments
Avenues strives to maintain an environment of safety, dignity, and mutual respect, and anything that detracts from that atmosphere is forbidden.
Conclusion
Before packing for rehab, it is advisable to ask your rehab center about their packing list for inpatient rehab, since the recommendations and prohibitions will be a little different in each facility.
The stress of packing and deciding what to bring to drug rehab might leave you feeling a bit anxious, but don’t let those emotions get the better of you. Recognize that the outstanding benefits of going to rehab are worth the hassle of getting there! You’re preparing to enter a place of growth, healing, and hope that will tremendously enrich and improve your life.
If you have any questions or want to learn more about our highly specialized and successful programs, contact us at Avenues Recovery. You can begin your journey home today!