What to Bring to Rehab
Starting a drug or alcohol treatment program is a life-changing experience, but it’s also a new one. If this is your first time going to an addiction treatment center, then you’re probably wondering, “What can I bring to rehab?” Considering the other concerns that you may have about treatment, like what will happen when you get there and how you’ll manage the process, the least of your worries should be what to bring to rehab. If you need help preparing yourself for what’s to come, below is a rehab checklist for your reference of things you can and cannot take.
What to Pack for Rehab: Free Checklist
Addiction treatment facilities have different guidelines for allowed and prohibited items. Your best bet for finding out what to bring to rehab is to ask the admissions team for a rehab packing list you can check off as you prepare for your residential treatment program.
Below is a list of things to bring to rehab according to our Banyan Lake Worth rehab:
Clothing
- A week’s worth of outfits (check what the weather will be like first)
- Clothing that does not have drug-related references or offensive language on it
- Comfortable sleepwear
- Daily jewelry, such as a wedding ring or watch
- Formal outfits, such as an outfit for attending church (if applicable)
- Non-revealing workout clothing (i.e., crop tops, short shorts)
- One-piece swimsuits for ladies, knee-length board shorts for men
- Shower shoes or flip flops
- Sneakers for outdoor activities
- Sweater or jacket for indoors
As a rule, it’s best to avoid bringing expensive clothing, shoes, or jewelry to rehab. Don’t bring any valuables you might lose during treatment.
Unopened toiletry or hygiene products
- A toothbrush
- Unopened alcohol-free mouthwash
- Unopened face wash and moisturizer
- Unopened feminine products
- Unopened lip balm
- Unopened lotion
- Unopened makeup essentials, if desired
- Unopened shampoo and conditioner
- Unopened sunscreen
- Unopened toothpaste
When packing toiletries, make sure to avoid bringing any products that contain alcohol to rehab. If alcohol is one of the main ingredients, leave it at home.
Important Documents and Items
- Cash for vending machines
- Driver’s license or state-issued ID
- Insurance Card
- Prescription card or pharmacy card
You can bring your wallet to treatment if you’d like, but you won’t need any credit or debit cards while you’re there. You can also bring pictures of loved ones to help you feel grounded and motivated during treatment.
Prescription Medications
These may include medications you regularly take.
- A list of prescribed medications and dosages for each to inform your medical team
- Liquid medication, if applicable, in its new and unopened packaging
- Prescription medications in their original packaging
- Sealed vitamins, if applicable
You may not have access to these medications once you check in, but our medical staff will be in charge of administering them as needed. Some medications you can’t bring to rehab include:
- Medications containing alcohol
- Narcotic medications
- Nutritional supplements
- Over-the-counter medications
Reading and Writing Materials
- A book or devotional (ask which kinds are acceptable)
- A journal or notebook
- A sketchbook
While your main focus in rehab will be learning about recovery and partaking in the activities hosted by our facility, you may have some downtime. During this time, you can look at other forms of entertainment like sketching, journaling, and reading.
What Not to Bring to Rehab
Addiction treatment is about healing and focusing on recovery from drug and alcohol abuse. Some items can distract you from this goal and should therefore be left at home. While each rehab center varies in what it doesn’t allow its patients to bring, below is a rehab checklist for what not to bring to our Lake Worth drug rehab.
- Aerosol products
- Any items containing alcohol
- Any opened vitamins or hygiene products
- Candles or incense
- Cell phone, laptops, or tablets
- Drug-related items, such as the list of prohibited medications we previously mentioned
- Excessive makeup or jewelry
- Food and drinks
- Musical instruments
- Playing cards
- Pornographic materials
- Radios larger than a Walkman (about 6 inches long)
- Sporting equipment
- Weapons
Other Things You Shouldn’t Bring to Rehab
In addition to items like weapons, illegal substances, and electronics, here are some other things you should leave at home that could otherwise take away from your rehab experience:
- A negative attitude: Coming in with a negative attitude will impact your recovery. It can make you less open and can even negatively impact others seeking treatment as well.
- Unwillingness to participate: Whether you’re undergoing medical detox and drug treatment under a court order or willingly, professional addiction treatment can be transformative, especially when you’re totally open to it. Do yourself this favor and come into rehab with an all-in mentality.
- Disregard for the rehab’s rules: Some patients may try to rebel against the rules of the rehab program. They may challenge staff in front of peers in an attempt to gain power, especially if they feel like they’re no longer in control of their lives. However, going to rehab requires a form for submission to our team. This is because it’s important to recognize your need for help so you can allow us to help you. In addition to ensuring the success of our treatment programs, the rules of our Palm Beach county rehab are in place to keep our patients and team safe, so we ask that all involved honor them.
Our Palm Beach County Rehab
Undergoing substance abuse treatment to recover from long-term drug or alcohol abuse can help you find lasting sobriety. To best serve clients and ensure the safety of all of those involved in treatment, rehabs often have rules and regulations in place. Following these guidelines, such as honoring what to bring to rehab and what to leave at home, can help maintain a safe and positive environment for healing.
If you’re interested in getting started on your recovery, contact Behavioral Health of the Palm Beaches today and learn how our addiction treatment in Lake Worth can help.
