Rehabilitation centers have strict policies about what their guests can bring while going through treatment. After choosing your treatment center, they will likely provide you with a recommended packing list. They will also give you a list of prohibited items.
After you arrive at rehab, you will start the admission process. During this process, your luggage is usually inspected to ensure that you do not have any prohibited items. During check-in, a record will be made of all of the things you bring with you so that you don’t accidentally leave something behind.
Things You Can Typically Bring with You to Rehab Centers
Every rehab center has its policies. Some are very strict, and some are more lenient. Typically, you will be able to bring the following items.
• Contact Information. In most cases, you can have the phone numbers, names, and addresses of friends and family members supporting you as you go through treatment. You can also include the contact information for healthcare professionals familiar with your case.
• Basic Jewelry. While most rehab centers will not allow excessive, elaborate, or potentially dangerous jewelry, they will typically let you bring jewelry that you wear every day. This can include your watch, your wedding ring, or a bracelet or necklace that has sentimental value for you. While every endeavor is made to provide a safe environment, it is recommended that you keep all of your valuable items that you don’t need at home.
• Alarm clock. You may be allowed to bring an alarm clock as long as it doesn’t have a radio. Some rehab centers already have approved alarm clocks available for their guests, so it’s good to do your due diligence before purchasing one.
• Prescription Medication. Any prescription medication you bring will need to have the original pharmacy bottle. The information label must be intact. All liquids must be new and sealed. You will be required to show a list of your prescription medications and the preapproved doses at check-in.
• Money/Credit Cards. You will need some money to run to the store, use the vending machines, etc. A credit card, debit card, or checkbook will be beneficial when it is time to purchase medications for treatment.
• Forms of Identification. You can bring your driver’s license, passport, insurance information, and other forms of identification.
• Miscellaneous. Some facilities will let you bring a journal, envelopes, and stationery so that you can write. You can bring pictures of family members or loved ones to put in your room. If you bring reading material, you should take a softcover book instead of a hardcover one.
The Type of Clothing You Should Pack
You should bring enough comfortable clothes for seven days, not including the outfit you wear to rehab. The clothing should be comfortable. You will want to pack tennis shoes, tank tops, underclothing, pants, and a couple of dressy outfits to be worn during special occasions.
Bathing suits for women should be one piece, and trunks for men. A bathrobe, belt, and pajamas are other accessories you should include. If you don’t like to be barefoot in the shower, bring flip-flops.
Personal Hygiene
The personal hygiene products you bring should be alcohol-free. You should take sufficient toiletries and beauty products to cover the entirety of your stay. This includes a toothbrush, shampoo, shaving cream, feminine hygiene products, lotion, etc.
Items That Most Rehab Centers Do Not Permit
When it comes to prohibitions, most rehab centers have stringent rules. They desire to create an environment that is conducive to your recovery. Items that are typically banned include:
• Pornography
• Video games
• Electronics
• Games/playing cards
• Drugs and alcohol
• Weapons
It is good to review the checklist of prohibited items. You may be surprised that certain things you think are benign are forbidden.
Outside food and drinks are typically banned because most centers want to control their guest’s caffeine intake and sugar. If you have special dietary needs, discuss these with the rehab treatment center of your choice before you are admitted.
Packing for Rehab Made Easy
If you accidentally pack something prohibited, don’t worry. In most cases, a rehab center will send the prohibited item back with the person who brought you to the center or will store the item until someone else can pick it up for you.
Packing for rehab does not need to be complicated. Ask questions, and follow the center’s policy. Only bring the things you need. Are you ready to get started on the road to recovery? Call us today at 855-936-4435. We look forward to meeting you.
