Millions of people in the United States live with addiction to drugs or alcohol. Addiction can impact your life in many ways. It can affect your health, emotional well-being, relationships, and more.

Even though addiction can be destructive and devastating, very few people ever get the help they need. Many people may worry about the unknown when it comes to getting addiction treatment. Understanding what to expect may help more people take this life-saving step toward recovery.

Knowing what to bring to rehab can help people feel more comfortable starting their recovery journey. This article will explore what to pack for rehab.

If you or someone you love lives with drug or alcohol addiction, you are not alone. Contact the Alamo Behavioral Health specialists now to learn about our comprehensive treatment and recovery programs.

What Should I Bring to Rehab?

Each treatment facility has its own rules. Before starting treatment, you must check with your rehab center’s staff to find out what is allowed and what you need to leave behind. Here are some ideas to help you pack for rehab.

General items to pack for rehab

You may want to pack some items that can help you feel more comfortable in the rehab facility. This may include:

• A watch
• Your wedding ring or other special jewelry
• A notebook, journal, or diary
• Reading materials like books or magazines (check to see if your facility has a list of acceptable or prohibited reading materials)
• Your insurance card
• Your driver’s license, passport, or another picture ID
• An alarm clock, if you need one
• Prescription medications, if you take them. Seal all liquids before packing them up.
• Stationary and stamps for sending letters
• Cash for vending machines. Bring less than $100. Small bills may be better.
• Credit card or debit card
• Photos of loved ones or other small decor for your bedroom
• A list of phone numbers and addresses for people you may want to contact in rehab (if you will not have access to your phone)

Leave valuables, such as extra jewelry, at home. Label items (such as books) if you will be sharing them.

Alamo Behavioral Health accepts many major insurance plans, including:

Check if my insurance covers rehab

Personal hygiene items to pack

It’s likely you will be able to do laundry while you stay in the rehab facility. Still, you should bring enough clothing to last you about a week. Pack clothing that you can wash and dry easily. Consider what the weather might be like and bring appropriate clothing. Generally, plan on dressing for comfort.

Some rehab facilities have a dress code. Make sure you check with your treatment center before packing to ensure your clothing meets the requirements. Generally, your rehab packing list might include:

• Flip flops for the shower
• Pants and shorts, depending on the weather
• Shirts–bring t-shirts, sweatshirts, or sweaters, depending on the weather
• Pajamas
• Bathrobe
• Socks
• Underwear
• Swimsuit, if necessary
• A more formal outfit for parties or special events
• Slippers
• A jacket

When packing for rehab, focus on bringing comfortable, easy-to-wash, appropriate clothing. Your bedroom may not have a lot of space to store clothing, so avoid overpacking.

If you discover you are missing an item, you may ask a loved one to bring it to you during visiting hours.

In most recovery centers, you will receive essential hygiene items. However, you may want to pack the personal hygiene items you prefer. These might include:

• Shampoo and conditioner
• Other hair care items (non-aerosol products)
• Makeup
• Sun care
• Body and hand lotion
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss
• Shaving cream
• Pads, tampons, or other period care products
• Deodorant
• Comb or brush

Having your favorite hygiene items can help you feel more at home in the treatment facility. However, you will always have access to basic necessities during your time in rehab, so don’t worry if you don’t bring them with you.

Items to leave at home

Some items are best left at home. Check your treatment center’s rules about prohibited items. Generally, prohibited items include:

• Weapons of any kind (guns, knives, tasers, etc.)
• Sharp objects (razors, scissors, box cutters, etc.)
• E-cigarettes
• Drugs, banned prescriptions, or alcohol
• Over-the-counter medications
• Video games
• Valuable items
• Cleaning products
• Candles or other flammable items
• Pornography of any kind
• Inappropriate clothing
• Mouthwash or other hygiene products containing alcohol
• Nail polish or nail polish remover
• Food or drinks
• Board games or playing cards
• Aerosol products

Check with your treatment facility before packing mobile phones or other small electronics. Make sure you pack only what your facility allows to ensure you can keep your belongings with you.

Find Treatment Now

If you or someone you love needs addiction treatment or support, you are not alone. Reach out to the Alamo Behavioral Health specialists to explore our programs or schedule an intake assessment.