What Items Are Allowed in a Rehab Program?

There are so many things to think about when you choose a rehab center. And, as the date of your intake nears, you may feel like you should finally be done making decisions. But, one big one still looms over you: what can I bring with me?

After all, you are getting ready to make a big change and you are probably still using. How can you possibly be expected to take on something like packing? Even in the best of situations, packing is enough to drive people into severe stress attacks. You don’t need that kind of panic in your life.

Of course, every program is different. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) asserts treatment comes in many different configurations, happens in many different locations, and extends for many different spans of time. Surely, the one you are attending will be happy to present you with a list of what you may and may not bring with you. But, the following list of general information should also provide you with some good guidelines. Having a better idea is often just enough information to help you to calm down a little.

If you want specifics, call your rehab or call 800-430-1407Who Answers?. We are rehab experts and we can talk you through the process and give you the support you need to get through dreaded packing.

Do I Have to Bring My Own Bed Linens and Towels?

Generally, you will not. There are, of course, some programs that so ask this of you, but most don’t.

Of course, if you have a specific pillow that you can’t sleep without or a blanket that makes you feel safe, bring it. You may also be allowed to bring your own sheets and towels if you do your own laundry. Otherwise, it is a lot of trouble for the staff to launder your things and keep them set aside for you.

What Kind of Clothes Are Not Allowed?

You’ll want to bring comfortable clothes that won’t offend other residents.

The first thing to be mindful of is any specific dress code rules. Most rehab centers will not allow you to wear anything that features drug or alcohol branding or slogans. This isn’t the time to wear the t-shirt that you got in the bar in Ensenada.

They also tend to make other people’s comfort a priority, so you will also be instructed not to wear anything offensive. Keep your t-shirts with sexist language and/or images at home, along with your political ones.

You may also be in rehab alongside people who are there because of a sex addiction. This means that you need to keep your apparel tasteful. You don’t need to pack a Speedo or string bikini.

How Many Weeks’ Worth of Clothes Should I Bring?

You should have access to laundry facilities, so one week should be sufficient. Make sure that the clothes have simple washing instructions and avoid anything that requires dry cleaning or that could be damaged in a commercial washer.

What Clothes Should I Bring?

Include the following items:

• Shoes: bring comfy slippers so you feel like you are at home, sneakers so you can be active, and flip flops so your feet don’t touch the shower floor
• Socks
• Undergarments
• Shirts: keep in mind the dress codes and don’t get too skimpy
• Pants
• Shorts: keep them a tasteful length
• A bathing suit: women are typically required to wear a one piece
• Pajamas
• Coat/Jacket
• Bath robe
• Belt

Consult with the rehab center to see what the weather will be like and pack accordingly. You might want to bring items that layer well so you are always comfortable.

Things you are Not Allowed to do in Inpatient Rehab

Can I Bring My Medication?

This question is addressed in depth in the article, “Can I Bring my Medications with Me to Rehab?”

Bring a list of all of your meds and doses along with the medication in unopened packages with clear, legible prescription information.

Can I Bring Personal Items?

You won’t have a ton of downtime, but you will have enough that you may want to bring some things to help you pass the time.

If you like to read, bring a book. Some rehabs only let patients read recovery texts, so ask before you pack your copy of 50 Shades of Grey. Books deemed too provocative may also be banned.

You may also consider bringing photographs of loved ones and/or a journal.

You likely will not be allowed to bring cards because they trigger gambling addicts.

For more information about what is not allowed, call 800-430-1407Who Answers?. We can get you the answers that you need. As NIDA reminds readers, no single treatment is correct for one and all and no list of packing items works for all rehabs. Before you finalize your packing, make sure that you follow your center’s regulations fully.