What to Pack for Rehab
- Yasmin Maghsoudloo
- Jan 5
- 5 min read
As you prepare to start treatment, this packing list can help you gather all the essentials needed to begin your recovery journey. Be sure to check if the treatment center provides its packing list for reference, and follow any specific guidelines they outline.
Packing the Essentials
Clothing Basics
When preparing for treatment, prioritize clothing that is comfortable, casual, and suitable for the weather. Consider packing various items to accommodate temperature changes throughout the day and night. Essential clothing items to include are:
T-shirts
Long-sleeve shirts
Shorts
Pants
Sleepwear
Undergarments
Socks
It’s important to choose clothing that is modest and respectful, as dress codes in treatment facilities often emphasize these values. Pack items you feel at ease wearing, and check with the treatment center for any specific dress code guidelines.
Toiletries and Personal Care Items
While some treatment centers provide basic toiletries like shampoo, soap, conditioner, and toothpaste, others may not. It's important to confirm what will be supplied beforehand. Typically, you should plan to bring:
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Shampoo and conditioner
Soap or body wash
Deodorant
Hairbrush or comb
Feminine hygiene products (if applicable)
Moisturizer
Make sure to pack enough to last the duration of your program. For long-term stays, ask your admissions coordinator if restocking options are available.
Be aware that some centers may restrict specific personal care items, such as shaving razors or products containing alcohol (e.g., certain mouthwashes or sanitizers). Always check with the admissions team to ensure your items comply with their guidelines.
Comfortable Footwear
Bring footwear suitable for both indoor and outdoor activities. A comfortable pair of shoes is essential for everyday group sessions, but it’s also a good idea to review the center’s schedule and amenities to determine if additional footwear is needed. For instance, sturdy athletic shoes may be ideal if the facility has a basketball court, while water shoes could be useful for beach excursions. Plan accordingly to ensure you’re prepared for all activities.
Medications and Prescriptions
Proper medication management can play a crucial role in the recovery process. Your care team will review your current medications and medical history to determine if certain medications might benefit your treatment. They will also help ensure medications are stored safely and administered at the appropriate times.
During treatment, you may be prescribed new medications. If so, it’s essential to inform the team of any pre-existing medical conditions to prevent potential adverse reactions.
Before starting your program, confirm with the admissions team whether you can bring items like digestive aids, allergy medications, vitamins, or supplements to ensure they align with your treatment plan.
Important Documents to Bring
When preparing for treatment, it’s essential to gather the following important documents:
Passport or official identification
Insurance card
Current prescription medications in their original pharmacy-labeled containers
A contact list of individuals you’d like to keep updated on your progress
Credit card, debit card, or checkbook
Sufficient cash for general store purchases and incidental expenses
Organizing and printing these materials in advance can help ensure a smoother and less stressful transition into treatment.
The “Nice to Haves”
Comfort Items and Mementos
Bringing a small item that reminds you of home can provide a sense of comfort during your recovery journey. This could be a photograph, a cozy blanket, a stuffed animal, or a meaningful gift from a loved one—something that offers emotional support and a connection to familiarity.
Be mindful when selecting these items, as most programs have limits on the number of personal belongings allowed. Choose wisely to ensure your comfort without overpacking.
Reading and Writing Materials
During your recovery journey, reading and writing can serve as powerful tools to help you process and express your emotions. Bringing along a book or a journal provides a valuable opportunity for reflection during your downtime. These activities are known to reduce stress and alleviate symptoms of depression.
Consider exploring self-help books like The Mountain Is You or Atomic Habits to inspire positive change. If you’re undergoing mental health treatment, The Body Keeps the Score can offer valuable insights into trauma and healing. A gratitude journal or one with guided prompts, such as Dig Deeper, can facilitate self-discovery and personal growth during this transformative time.
Fitness and Outdoor Gear
Maintaining good physical health is an essential component of recovery from addiction and mental health challenges. Regular exercise supports cardiovascular and brain health, strengthens the immune system, and helps alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression. Many treatment centers incorporate physical activities into their programs to enhance overall well-being. If this is part of your recovery plan, consider packing the following:
Athletic shoes
Comfortable fitness clothing
Sunscreen
Bug spray
Personal equipment (check with the admissions team if you can bring items like a tennis racquet if the facility has relevant amenities)
Prioritizing physical activity can greatly enhance your recovery journey.
Electronics and Entertainment
Before attending treatment, discussing the facility’s electronic policy with your admissions team is important. Policies can vary: some centers allow phones and laptops for work-related tasks during designated times, while others may store your phone during the day and permit its use only after program hours. Certain facilities may even have a strict no-electronics policy.
Many treatment programs allow music-only devices, like iPods, which you can use with headphones to listen to your favorite songs.
If you’re attending a program with limited or no electronic access, it’s a good idea to inform your loved ones in advance. Most centers provide a communal phone for patient use.
Regardless of whether personal devices are allowed, the primary focus of treatment is on healing. The majority of your time will be dedicated to therapy sessions and recovery-focused activities designed to support your journey toward wellness.
Electronics and Entertainment
Before beginning treatment, it’s important to discuss the facility’s electronics policy with your admissions team, as policies can vary widely. Some centers allow phones and laptops for work-related tasks during designated times, while others may store your phone during the day and permit limited use after program hours. Certain facilities might enforce a strict no-electronics policy.
Many programs do allow music-only devices, such as iPods, which you can use with headphones to enjoy your favorite songs.
If the program you’re attending has limited or no access to personal electronics, be sure to notify your loved ones in advance. Most facilities provide a communal phone for patients to stay in touch with family and friends.
Regardless of the electronics policy, the primary focus during treatment is your recovery. The majority of your time will be spent in therapy sessions and participating in recovery-focused activities designed to support your healing and well-being.
Items to Avoid Packing for Rehab
When preparing for your stay in a treatment program, it’s essential to know which items are typically not permitted in rehab facilities:
Any drugs or alcohol
Prescription medications not included in your approved treatment plan
Medications prescribed to someone else
Pornographic materials
Weapons such as guns or knives
Opened over-the-counter medications
Products containing alcohol, like mouthwash, perfumes, or colognes
Nail polish or nail polish remover
Always confirm with your treatment center for a complete list of prohibited items to ensure a smooth transition into your program.
Comentários