Now that you’ve decided to go to rehab, you don’t need to stress out about what to pack and what to leave behind. This is because we got that covered for you. Our aim is to ensure the safety of our esteemed clients, their loved ones, and our staff. As a result, all our rehabilitation centers have a checklist of what you can bring to residential drug and another one of the prohibited items.
This checklist is created following strict policies set for the purpose of ensuring the efficiency of rehab services while also helping the clients work towards their goal. Upon admission, our staff will check your bag against these lists and catalog the things you come with to ensure you take with you all your belongings when leaving.
Before we tell you what you can bring, however, how about starting with what is prohibited:
- Electronics- Although there is internet access in rehabs, it is best to keep you from distractions like smartphones, laptops, or tablets and any device that could record videos or play games. If you must bring your alarm clock, it should not have a music player. The idea is to invite a therapeutic atmosphere to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of rehab strategies.
- Revealing clothes- Avoid packing clothes that can be described as sexy or simply anything revealing. Your mind should be on ensuring you successfully recover from drug addiction and not getting into relationships or indulging in sexual activities.
- Valuable- When going to rehab, only bring jewelry that you must wear like a wedding ring or watch. You, however, could consult the rehab institution you’re joining to determine whether they have safe boxes for the valuables that you can’t leave behind.
- Questionable items- Alcohol, cigarettes, perfumes, sex-related books, aerosol cans, knives, guns, non-prescription drugs, and outside foods should also not be brought to residential drug recovery centers.
Things you can bring to rehab
Different rehab facilities have varying rules that dictate what you can bring while participating in residential drug recovery programs. Some of the facilities are obviously stricter than others. Nonetheless, it is recommended that you come with the names, contacts, and addresses of the family, friend, or professional experts involved in your recovery process. You should also provide information on 12 step sponsors who will help you continue a healthy lifestyle during and after rehab. If you have any prescription drugs, you should bring them in their original package and ensure the product label is still on. If the medication is in syrup form, the package should be sealed and brand new.
Since you will find vending machines in rehab institutions, you might need some money in small bills. This should also come in handy when making store runs during your stay. Bring with you your credit or debit card, checkbook, or other financial tools that you’ll use to pay for your medication while in rehab. You can also bring a notebook, a journal, stamps & envelops, and pictures of any loved one in the wallet or room.
Clothes you can bring
As a rehab facility, we are quite strict on the dress code of our patients. For instance, you will need to stay away from revealing or somewhat sexy clothes. You could opt for layering options depending on the weather like t-shirts, jackets, sweaters, pajamas, or cardigans. To avoid over-packing since the space available for you in the rehab facility may be limited, get some comfortable shoes, pants, socks, bathrobe, belt, slippers, undergarments, and something dressy for when you have special events like family night.
Since you will engage in certain outdoor activities, consider bringing some sneakers or tennis shoes along. Some workout clothes would also come in handy in case you have to go to the gym or take part in sporting activities. Since there might be a pool in the institution, you could also bring a one-piece swimsuit for ladies and a trunk for men.
Personal Effects
Although your comfort during treatment in a rehab center is paramount, we are recovery professionals who specialize in creating a facility that best meets your needs. As such, if you must pack some toiletries, personal hygiene or beauty products, they must be alcohol-free and there shouldn’t be any aerosols. Consider checking with the rehab institution you’re going to about the items they allow and the quantity.
The personal products should be enough for a whole month and they can include deodorant, toothbrush & toothpaste, hair care products (shampoo, conditioner, and a pump hair spray, a comb/brush, shaving cream), a lotion, sunscreen, and limited makeup.
Communication
Most rehab centers do not allow the use of mobile phones within the facility. This is to help you focus on the healing and recovery journey. However, you could write down a list of helpful contacts to reach your loved ones. If you are a huge fanatic of writing letters, pack a few envelopes and stamps.
Hobby Items
Recovery in rehab doesn’t mean it’s going to be boring. While focusing on healing, you could also participate in activities you love doing during your free time. Bring along a sketchbook, chessboard, knitting kit, books, and a journal. Although reading material is provided at the facility, inquire on what sort of books they allow at the center. Notebooks and journals are recommended during recovery. They are believed to be excellent sources of therapeutic aid.
What “NOT” to bring
Rehab necessarily keeps you away from distraction and possible relapse to substance abuse. Most Christian-based rehab facilities ban:
- Drugs and alcohol.
- Cosmetics and cleaning supplies that contain alcohol.
- Weapons and pornographic material.
- Food and drinks.
Anything that could trigger relapse or harm to an individual is not recommended. Additional items such as electronics, candles, and electronic cigarettes are greatly forbidden.
What if you are visiting an addict at the rehab center?
Visitors offer moral and emotional support to their loved ones in rehab. Immediate family members may come in for frequent family therapies to help with the recovery journey. In most cases, visitors aren’t allowed to bring anything for the patient unless its therapeutic or it has been approved at the center.
Be sure to let your family known that you have checked in at the rehab center before leaving.
So, are you ready to begin your recovery process with us? If you are, get in touch with us at 855-936-4435. Our services are available 24/7/365.
