Packing for rehab is not a difficult task, but a tricky one from my perspective as an expert. And if you are going to rehab for the first time, you definitely should be at a loss!
While searching the topic, I came to know that according to Statista, the number of individuals in substance abuse treatment facilities in the US was around 1 million in recent years.
Many enter these facilities for different problems, including alcohol addiction, weed addiction, anger management, substance abuse, and so on.
Packing rules needed to follow when you sign up for an inpatient rehab facility such as bringing shoes, shirts, slippers, hat, lotion. In contrast, not bringing games,candles, electronics, or drinks.
As an expert with years of experience, I suggest delving into this blog to get a detailed idea of what you can bring according to the rehab rules of your facility.
What to Pack for a Successful Rehab Stay
I found my patients and others search for this specific topic frequently online. There are more than 150 Million results on Google regarding this topic.
Now, you must be shocked how important the list is. To know in broad read below-
Preparation: Communicate with the Facility for Recommendations
Before packing items for the rehab facility, it’s best to talk beforehand and get a clear idea. There are some general rules and regulations in most rehabilitation centers, as far as I have observed.
Things like alcohol, weapons, and drugs are prohibited everywhere.
Even my rehab has restrictions on nail polishes or foods. But some rehabs may not have those on their restricted list.
So, your particular rehabilitation center might have some specific rules to follow before making a rehab checklist, checking items that would be acceptable.
Check the website of the rehab centers, including Valley Spring Recovery, the Recovery Village, and FHE rehab, to get information on what items you are allowed to bring.
One of my patients, Tony, an inpatient rehab successor, shared his amazing experience with my team.
He mentioned that the staff in my rehab were helpful throughout his recovery. I even helped him make a rehab checklist of what to bring when he first visited me.
In the meantime, I suggest to my patients that this can give a good idea of what items should be included in the list.
Necessary Recommended Items
| Medication | Prescribed medicines in original pharmacy bottle. |
| Contacts list | Important contacts including healthcare professionals, parents, spouses, and sponsors. |
| Jewelry | Essential pieces only (e.g., wedding ring, watch). |
| Alarm clocks | Alarm clocks but not the ones that come with a radio. |
| Money | Some cash, credit cards, debit cards, checkbooks. |
| Documents | Identification, insurance papers, medical reports. |
| Items for Pastime | I prefer keeping Paperback books, music players (no Wi-Fi). |
| Personal Items | Notebooks, journals, photos, calendars, envelopes, writing papers, blanket, pillow. |
Clothing Recommendations
From my experience, I observed patients wearing clothes for rehab patients that would be handed to them when admitted as per the treatment facility’s guidelines.
I recommend you should still have to pack some clothes for your inpatient rehab program. While packing clothes for the rehab facility, it’s best to keep a few things in mind given below-
- Pack clothes that go with the weather and the rehab location’s climate. Put wool, leather ones if you are going in winter, cotton, and linen for summer.
Your clothes should be comfortable and tasteful.
Jimmy, one of my fastest-recovered patients, had issues with his bulky leather pants while receiving his treatment on a hot summer day.
Then I ordered a loose-fitting trouser on behalf to make him comfortable in his recovery. And after the incident, I asked my patients to carry comfortable clothes.
- Bring jeans, sweats, chinos, trousers and other casual comfy pants. Avoid skinny or constricting pants or jeans.
One of my young patients, Dina, wore skinny jeans during her therapy with me. I found this was distracting for her as she wasn’t making herself respond to her session.
So, I forbade her to wear it next time, and I added that info for my patients, too.
- When you pack shirts, make sure to comply with the dress code of your facility. If you plan on bringing vests or tank tops, make sure there are cardigans or sweaters to wear over them.
Don’t forget to pack your favorite bathrobe. I noticed most of the patients benefited from the weather-friendly dresses.
- Bring shoes with non-skid soles. Your shoes should be soft and comfortable. Athletic shoes or sneakers are the best choice.
I also suggest carrying pairs of sandals, slippers, and flip-flops indoors, and especially for shower times in communal areas.
- Pack enough socks to last your recovery program. You can have some extra fluffy socks to wear at night if your feet tend to get cold.
- You can also bring bathing suits, but nothing too explicit (one piece for women and swimming trunks for men if your facility has a pool).
In Texas, rehabs such as Starlite Recovery Center, Willow Springs Recovery, Discovery Point Retreat, J. Flowers Health Institute, and many more have a pool as amenities.
So, a swimming suit may be required if you want to use it.
- Coat, jackets, sweater, hoodies – any winter clothing items you pack should be weather appropriate and decent.
Permitted Personal Necessaries
Most rehab facilities would allow you to bring toiletries, bathing, and grooming products as long as those are alcohol-free. Pack enough supplies to last you throughout your stay at the facility.
My patient Mark shared with me that, as it was his first time, he forgot to take some of his hygiene. But our amenities are available for him to cope with that situation.
According to my experience as an expert, here is a list of grooming products and toiletries that you can bring to your rehab center:
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Shampoo, conditioner
- Hair styling combs, brush, serum
- Deodorant (alcohol-free)
- Shaving cream
- Sunscreen, lotion
- Makeup items
- Moisturizer
- Hand towels, face towels (if allowed by the rehabilitation center).
Items Not Allowed in Rehab (Prohibited)
Not rehab is flexible on all sides, there are several things available in the list of prohibited. As an expert, I would like to request not to bring the mentioned things given below-
- Any sort of illicit drug (unless they are prescribed) or medicines without original container.
- Any kind of alcoholic drinks (beer, vodka, whiskey, tequila, etc.)
- Toiletries that have alcohol in them (room fresheners with alcohol, aerosols, etc.)
- Cigarettes, e-cigarettes, vapes, etc.
- Hazardous items – lighter, candles, flammable objects, etc.
- Cleaning supplies that might contain alcohol or harmful chemicals.
- Outside food or drinks (you would be on a diet to help with your rehab, outside food items can hinder with the process)
- Any sharp objects or weapons such as knives, scalpel, scissors, pocket knives, nail clippers, etc.
- Pornography (video, magazines, etc.)
- Inappropriate or too-revealing clothes
- Any kind of games (video games, Gameboy, board games, playing cards, etc.) since they can prove counterproductive during your recovery.
What May Bring According to Established Rehab Rules
I witnessed several changes taking place in rehab policies on the fact of the items a patient may bring. Even many times, I added my point of view too.
Packing list for inpatient rehab of allowable or restricted items based on respective rehabilitation Policies
- Cell phones, laptops – some facilities allow you to bring phones and laptops. But with limited access. You get access for some specific hours.
Mark, my patient, was a freelancer and needed to submit his 2-3 projects on time while in rehab. So, we let him use his devices for specific hours twice a week to continue his livelihood.
- Other devices – you can bring MP3 or CD players to listen to your favorite music (as long as it does not require internet access).
Some facilities also allow cameras that do not need the internet to work.
- Cigarettes – some facilities do allow cigarettes for those with a smoking habit. You often have a limitation on how many cigarettes you can bring or how many you can have in one day.
- Vitamins – you can bring your vitamins or other OTC (over-the-counter) medicines as long as they have an unopened seal.
- Gums – whether it is for curing your nicotine addiction or something else, some facilities would allow you to bring gums considering it is unopened.
- Nail clippers – not all rehab facilities ban nail clippers. Some places would let you bring one (it’s for grooming!)
I want to mention my rehab isn’t allowing it right now. As we found it hazardous.
- Razors – most facilities prohibit sharp objects like razors. But some rehab centers allow disposable razors or even electric razors so you can shave.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What to pack for rehab?
Pack only the essential items for your stay at the rehab center. Clothes, shoes, contact information, personal items, important documents, medical files – these should be on your rehab packing list.
Check with the rehab facility before packing your things and see which items are allowed.
What to do with your dog while in rehab?
Some rehab facilities allow pets, but the number is very scarce. While you are in rehab, you can look for alternative options to keep your dog. There are boarding facilities that would keep your dog while you are away. These facilities cost around $40 per night.
You can also ask someone in your family, neighborhood, or friend circle to take care of the dog while you’re in rehab.
What should you send someone in rehab?
When you visit someone in rehab, bring something that they can enjoy. Keep in mind that whatever you bring would be thoroughly checked by the staff. So don’t bring anything too embarrassing.
Something simple is always recommended, like – cards, handwritten notes, letters, photographs, dry snacks (if the facility allows), books, etc.
Whether you go to a rehab facility for one day or one month – be mindful of what you pack. Make sure that all the items you select do not violate the rehab rules of the facility.
Inpatient rehab facilities might seem a little scary since you have to stay away from your home for the program. But it is necessary to help you recover from your issues and get back to your life as a better person.
- What to Pack for 30-Day Rehab? FREE Checklist - May 30, 2024
- Types of Outpatient Rehab: Difference One Should Know - March 28, 2024
- Truth Behind FMLA: Hidden Hurdles of Alcohol Rehab Leave - March 28, 2024