Things You should bring to a Rehabilitation Centre

Rehabs have very strict policies about what you can bring with you to the rehab centre. Most centers provide a recommended packing checklist and a list of prohibited items.

Treatment centers allow you to bring the necessities. Policies on extra items vary by center.

When you arrive at rehab, you will check in and begin the admissions process. During this time, your center’s admissions team will inspect your bags to ensure safety and that no prohibited items are brought in. Some centers will also catalog what you bring to make sure you don’t leave anything behind when you leave.

Each rehab’s policies are different and some are stricter than others. For the most part, it’s recommended to bring the following:

• A list of names, addresses and phone numbers of those you wish to have involved in your treatment (loved ones, healthcare professionals, 12 step sponsors, etc.).
• Jewelry that you wear every day and consider to be a necessity, like your wedding ring or a watch. Otherwise, leave valuable items at home.
• An alarm clock that does not have a radio. Some centers will supply these, so check with yours before going out to buy one.
• Your current prescription medication in the original pharmacy bottle with the information label intact. Any liquid medications must be new and sealed. You should also bring a list of all your medications and dosages.
• Insurance cards and a form of identification (driver’s license, passport, etc.).
• A notebook or journal.
• Stamps and envelopes if you wish to mail letters.
• Pictures of your loved ones to keep in your room or wallet.
• Your rehab will likely provide reading material for you. If you want to bring your own, they’re usually required to be recovery, self-help or spiritually oriented.

What Clothing You Should Bring

Most rehabs have a very strict dress code, so be aware of any restrictions while you’re packing. If you’re unsure about how to pack for the weather, pack layering options, like T-shirts, sweaters, cardigans and jackets. Keep in mind, space in your room may be limited, so try not to pack and carry too many clothes to the rehab centre.

You should have access to a laundry machine at your center, so a week’s worth of clothing should be enough. Be sure to pack clothes that are easy to wash and do not require special care, such as dry cleaning.

Be sure to bring seven days worth of comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing, including:

• shoes: comfy shoes for everyday wear, tennis shoes for activities/sports and flip flops for the shower
• shirts
• pants
• shorts: may have to be a certain length to comply with your center’s dress code
• one or two “dressy” outfits for special occasions, like Family Night
• socks
• undergarments
• pajamas
• a coat/jacket
• a belt
• slippers