When you start your addiction treatment program, rehab becomes your home for a while, so it’s important to pack properly. Each treatment center has its own rules about what to bring and what is forbidden. Most of them provide residents with a rehab checklist. Often they could be found on rehab’s websites. This article overviews the most common dos and don’ts of what to bring to rehab.
What to Take to Rehab
Alcohol rehab and drug rehab have strict rules regarding prohibited items. Be ready that your bags and belongings will be thoroughly searched to ensure that no contraband is brought inside. Down below you will find a list of things of what to pack for rehab.
Essential Documents
Make sure you don’t forget your identification documents, insurance cards, medical records, and prescriptions. You will need them during the onboarding process.
Checklist of required documents:
- Valid identification (driver’s license, passport, or state ID)
- Health insurance cards
- Prescription drug coverage card
- Up-to-date medical records
- List of current prescriptions
- Contact information for healthcare providers
Clothing and Personal Items
- Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing for both indoor and outdoor activities. This includes T-shirts and long-sleeved shirts, pants, jeans, sweatshirts, jackets, and cardigans. Keep in mind that the space in your room might be limited, so layering is a good option to avoid overpacking. Usually, there are laundry machines in rehabs, so 7-days worth of closing would be enough. Avoid taking clothes that require specific care, such as natural silk or wool.
- Sleepwear and undergarments. Pack pajamas or loungewear for sleeping. Also, take undergarments and socks for 7 days to last between laundry cycles.
- Shoes. Take 1 pair of sneakers for exercise and outdoor activities, 1 pair of slippers or sandals for indoors, and 1 pair of flip-flops for showers.
- Personal hygiene products. You will need shampoo, conditioner, soap, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, feminine hygiene products, shaving cream, and sunscreen. Make an accent on hygiene and minimize your makeup, as sometimes it could be prohibited.
Suggested Quantities of Products for a 30-Day Stay
| Product | Quantity |
| Shampoo | 1 bottle (12-16 oz) |
| Conditioner | 1 bottle (12-16 oz) |
| Toothpaste | 1 tube (6 oz) |
| Deodorant | 1 stick |
| Body wash/soap | 1 bottle (12-16 oz) |
| Facial cleanser | 1 bottle (8-12 oz) |
| Moisturizer | 1 bottle or tube (8 oz) |
| Shaving products (razor, cream) | 1 razor, 1 can of shaving cream |
| Feminine hygiene products | 1-month Supply |
| Hairbrush/comb | 1 |
| Toothbrush | 1 |
| Sunscreen | 1 bottle (optional, depending on location) |
Permitted Electronics
Treatment facilities often allow certain electronics that can provide comfort and entertainment during the program.
The most common question among residents is “Can you have your phone in rehab?” Usually, most rehab centers do not allow new residents to use cell phones as they distract patients from the healing process. But a lot depends on your level. People who are further along with their substance abuse recovery could have come linens around rules and regulations. So the answer “Can you have a phone in rehab?” in the later stages of treatment programs could be “Yes”.
Residents can have simple alarm clocks to wake up on time for programs and appointments, but models with Bluetooth are generally permitted. Small music players without internet access are also normally approved. However, residents should use earphones to not disturb others.
List of Electronics Typically Allowed and Prohibited
Allowed:
- Cell phone (with restrictions)
- Alarm clock (basic, no internet access or Bluetooth)
- MP3 player or iPod (without internet access)
- Electric shaver
- Hair dryer or straightener
Prohibited:
- Laptops and tablets
- E-readers with internet access
- Gaming consoles
- Smartwatches
- Any device with Wi-Fi or internet capabilities
Comfort Items
These are things to bring to rehab that help ease the transition, are good for your mental health, and make your stay in the treatment facility more pleasant. It could be photos of your family members, pets, or close friends. Also, pack a journal or notebook and some pens or pencils. Journaling is a useful practice that allows you to process emotions, document your mental state and recovery journey, or simply pass the time.
If you want to bring some books or magazines, clarify rehab’s policies regarding Reading materials. The center might limit Reading materials to those focused on self-help, recovery, or spirituality. Also, you can bring small suppliers for hobbies if permitted, like knitting needles, drawing materials, or small musical instruments. Hobbies can have a positive impact on your behavioral health.
Financial Considerations
Most rehabilitation centers allow to bring a small amount of cash, around $50-100 in small bills. You can spend them on incidental items during your stay—store runs, vending machines, etc. You can take a phone card with you if the rehab program requires it for long-distance calls. Finally, pack a checkbook, and credit or debit card to pay for medical copays or personal care items.
Medical and Health Items
- Prescription medications. They are supposed to be only in original containers, previously not opened.
- Eyeglasses or contact lenses.
- Over-the-counter medications (OTC). Many rehabs allow certain OTC medications like painkillers, allergy medications, etc. They have the same demands for packing as prescription medication.
Commonly Allowed and Prohibited Medicines
| Allowed Medications | Prohibited Medications |
| Prescription medications (in original containers) | Prescription narcotics (e.g., opioids) |
| Over-the-counter pain relievers (e.g., ibuprofen, acetaminophen) | Medications containing alcohol |
| Allergy medications (with approval) | Unapproved herbal supplements |
| Vitamins (if pre-approved) | Over-the-counter sleep aids (e.g., melatonin, diphenhydramine) |
What Not to Bring to Rehab
-
Prohibited items: any weapons, illegal drugs, or alcohol. Rehab facilities will confiscate them.
-
Valuables and expensive jewelry. The exceptions are jewelry that you wear daily and consider essential, such as your wedding ring or a watch.
- Excessive cash
- Other items to avoid:
- Candles, incense burners, or anything with an open flame
- Pornography or other sexual materials
- Revealing or suggestive clothing
- Clothing with profanity or references to drugs, alcohol, or violence
- Food or drinks
- Electronic cigarettes
- Aerosols
- Nail polish, polish remover
- Cigarettes (if the facility has a no-smoking policy)
Clarify the Rehab Rules Before Entering
Each rehab center has a different philosophy, policy, and restrictions. Facilities may have different rules about personal items, medications, or electronics. Also, it’s a good idea to ask beforehand what can you bring to someone in rehab. Even if visits may not be allowed at the beginning of treatment, they could be possible in the later stages of recovery.
To avoid confusing situations, always ask for a checklist of what to pack for rehab and a list of rules before starting your addiction treatment. Usually, you can find them on the website in the FAQ section or “What to Bring” section.
Ask for Help if Needed
It could be challenging to predict all your needs during the rehabilitation. Confusion could be even deeper because entering opioid treatment is usually very stressful. So feel free to contact the rehab administration office and ask questions about the packing list for inpatient rehab or any other support.
