What Can I Bring With Me To Treatment?

Each rehab center has different guidelines for allowed and prohibited items. Some rehab facilities are stricter than others. Ask the admissions team for a packing list as you prepare for rehab. For the most part, it’s recommended to bring the following:

The Basics: Rehab Clothing to Bring

It’s a good idea to call your rehab facility to learn what they recommend packing for your stay and so that you’ll know what not to bring. Most facilities are more than happy to provide all incoming clients with a list of recommended items.

Your basic clothing items should be modest, comfortable, and appropriate for the climate and weather where the rehab facility is located. Pack pieces of clothes that layer well so you can adapt easily to areas that are too warm or cool and so you’ll be comfortable during outdoor activities.

How much clothing to bring also depends on how long you’ll be staying in rehab. Remember that the space in your room may be limited, so don’t go overboard. Also, you’ll have access to a laundry room, so don’t worry about running out of clean underwear and other items.

You should plan on packing the following from your wardrobe:

If you’re entering rehab in a cold climate during the winter, you’ll want to bring warm winter accessories such as a coat, gloves, water-resistant boots, and a hat in case you venture outside.

Generally, it’s a good idea to avoid bringing clothing that’s too tight or revealing or that displays alcohol or drug paraphernalia. Even if you’re not entering rehab for drug or alcohol abuse, the imagery can remind others of what they’re battling.

Personal Hygiene And Beauty Products To Pack

Obviously, substance abuse treatment is not a fashion show, and your looks will not be under scrutiny, but you need to be relaxed, comfortable and feel at home in your new environment. Just make sure to check with your chosen rehab center before completing your packing list, but this is a good place to start for finding what should be allowed. 

It is important to remember that most rehab centers will instruct you to bring alcohol-free products for obvious reasons. The amount of what is needed will depend on the length of stay, but it is a general rule to pack enough of something for a 30-day stay. 

While packing your toiletries, be sure to check the labels for alcohol. If alcohol is in the main ingredients of the product, then leave it at home. Believe it or not, products like hairspray and hand sanitizer are high on the what not to bring list. These banned items contain denatured alcohol, which is ethyl alcohol before it’s chemically modified. During alcohol detox, people have been known to drink spray gel, perfume, or even face wash when the cravings become too overwhelming.

Can I smoke cigarettes in rehab?

If you smoke, most rehab facilities will allow you to bring cigarettes with you. While smoking rules will vary based on where the rehab center is located, complete smoking bans in rehab facilities are rare. 

If your treatment center allows cigarettes and you do bring them to rehab, make sure that the package you bring is unopened and that you pack enough to last the duration of your stay.

Can I bring my cell phone to rehab?

While some rehab facilities allow the use of cellphones, others have banned them altogether. Others fall somewhere in the middle and allow the use of cell phones for certain activities.

Treatment centers that allow personal cell phone use emphasize the importance of contact with friends and family throughout rehab. On the other hand, facilities that don’t allow cell phone use do so in order to keep their clients focused on their recovery and free of distractions from outside influences.

If bringing your cell phone to rehab is crucial to you, rest assured that there are treatment centers that allow clients to use their phones. Additionally, make sure you clarify the cell phone policy with your treatment center before arriving on-site, so there are no surprises.

Can I bring my pet to rehab?

Pets provide unconditional love and support without judgment or expectations. For this reason and many more, it’s understandable that people find the presence of their pet comforting and want to bring a pet with them to rehab.

Unfortunately, finding treatment centers that accept clients and their furry companions can be difficult. The majority of rehabs have no-pet policies and for legitimate reasons, including licensing issues, potential liabilities, and sensitivities to other clients’ allergies.

What you should not bring to rehab

All rehabs prohibit certain items and have strict rules. They do so to ensure your safety and to create an excellent environment for your recovery. It varies by center, but the following items are almost always banned:

You’ll also find that outside food and drinks are banned because many centers maintain a moderate sugar and caffeine environment. Three meals a day, snacks and beverages will be provided to you. If you have special dietary needs, notify your rehab before you’re admitted.

We Level Up Packing List