What to Pack for Rehab: Essential Items Checklist for Addiction Treatment
Complete packing checklist for rehab. Learn what to bring and avoid for addiction treatment programs. Essential items, documents, and preparation tips.
March 31, 20268 min readRehab-Atlas Editorial Team
What to Pack for Rehab: Essential Items Checklist for Addiction Treatment
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), approximately 2.3 million Americans received treatment at specialty addiction treatment facilities in 2021. For individuals preparing to enter residential treatment, knowing what to pack can significantly impact their comfort and success during recovery. Proper preparation helps reduce anxiety and ensures patients have everything they need to focus entirely on their healing journey.
Understanding Rehab Facility Guidelines
Before packing anything, prospective patients must contact their chosen treatment facility to obtain a comprehensive list of allowed and prohibited items. Each facility maintains specific policies based on safety protocols, treatment philosophy, and state regulations. Most residential programs provide detailed packing guidelines during the intake process, typically 24-48 hours before admission.
Treatment centers generally prohibit items that could pose safety risks or interfere with recovery, including alcohol-based products, certain medications not prescribed by facility physicians, sharp objects, and electronic devices with internet access. Some facilities maintain stricter policies regarding personal items to minimize distractions and promote focus on treatment goals.
Essential Clothing and Personal Items
Clothing Basics
Patients should pack comfortable, modest clothing suitable for various activities including group therapy, recreational activities, and exercise sessions. Essential clothing items include:
: 7-10 days' worth of comfortable pants, shorts, and tops
Casual wear
Undergarments and socks: Adequate supply for 10-14 days
Sleepwear: Comfortable pajamas or sleepwear sets
Exercise clothing: Athletic wear for physical activities and gym sessions
Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes, athletic shoes, and shower sandals
Seasonal items: Appropriate outerwear, depending on climate and season
Most facilities provide laundry services or access to washing machines, making it unnecessary to pack excessive amounts of clothing. Patients should avoid packing expensive items or clothing with inappropriate graphics or messaging.
Personal Care Essentials
Maintaining personal hygiene contributes to self-esteem and overall well-being during treatment. Essential personal care items include:
Basic toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and deodorant
Hair care: Hair brush, hair ties, and styling products (alcohol-free)
Skincare: Moisturizer, lip balm, and sunscreen
Personal hygiene: Feminine hygiene products, razors (disposable), and nail clippers
Prescription items: Contact lenses, glasses, and cleaning solutions
Patients should verify that all personal care products are alcohol-free, as many facilities prohibit items containing alcohol to prevent potential misuse.
Important Documents and Identification
Proper documentation ensures smooth admission and continued access to necessary services throughout treatment. Patients must organize and pack:
Primary Documentation
Government-issued photo ID: Driver's license, state ID, or passport
Insurance cards: Health insurance, prescription coverage, and any supplemental insurance
Social Security card: Original or certified copy
Birth certificate: Certified copy for identity verification
Medical and Treatment Records
Current medication list: Detailed list with dosages and prescribing physicians
Medical history: Recent physical exam results, chronic condition documentation, and allergy information
Previous treatment records: Discharge summaries from prior treatment episodes
Mental health records: Psychiatric evaluations, therapy notes, and psychological testing results
Financial and Legal Documents
Banking information: Account numbers and contact information for financial institutions
Emergency contacts: Complete contact information for family members and support persons
Legal documents: Power of attorney, custody agreements, or court orders if applicable
Employment information: Employer contact details and FMLA documentation if needed
Comfort Items and Entertainment
While treatment facilities maintain structured schedules, patients benefit from having personal comfort items that support emotional well-being and provide healthy entertainment during free time.
Comfort and Emotional Support Items
Personal photographs: Family pictures and meaningful images (avoid triggering content)
Comfort objects: Stuffed animals, blankets, or pillows from home
Spiritual items: Religious texts, prayer beads, or meditation items
Journals: Notebooks for personal reflection and treatment assignments
Art supplies: Colored pencils, sketchpads, or adult coloring books
Reading and Learning Materials
Recovery literature: Approved books about addiction, recovery, and personal growth
Educational materials: Workbooks, self-help books, and treatment-related reading
Magazines: Current issues of appropriate magazines for leisure reading
Writing materials: Pens, pencils, and additional notebooks
Many facilities maintain libraries with recovery-focused materials, but personal reading materials can provide additional comfort and support.
Technology and Communication Guidelines
Most residential treatment programs have strict policies regarding electronic devices to minimize distractions and promote focus on recovery work. However, some items may be permitted:
Generally Allowed Technology
Basic cell phones: Simple phones without internet access for emergency communication
MP3 players: Devices without internet connectivity for music therapy and relaxation
E-readers: Devices loaded with appropriate content, often with wifi disabled
Battery-powered alarm clocks: For maintaining personal schedules
Typically Prohibited Items
Smartphones with internet access: Devices with social media, gaming, or web browsing capabilities
Laptops and tablets: Computers and internet-enabled devices
Gaming devices: Video game consoles, handheld gaming systems
Cameras: Digital cameras and video recording equipment
Patients should verify specific technology policies with their treatment facility, as rules vary significantly between programs.
Medications and Health-Related Items
Medication management represents a critical aspect of treatment preparation. Patients must coordinate carefully with treatment facility medical staff to ensure continuity of care for chronic conditions and appropriate management of all medications.
Prescription Medication Protocol
Current prescriptions: All medications in original pharmacy containers with current labels
Medication schedules: Written documentation of dosing times and special instructions
Prescriber information: Contact details for all prescribing physicians
Medical equipment: Blood glucose monitors, inhalers, or other necessary medical devices
Treatment facilities typically require patients to surrender all medications upon admission for secure storage and supervised administration. This policy ensures safety and prevents potential medication interactions or misuse.
Over-the-Counter Items
Most facilities provide basic over-the-counter medications, but patients may pack:
Vitamins and supplements: With facility approval and original packaging
First aid items: Band-aids, antiseptic, and basic wound care supplies
Comfort items: Throat lozenges, lip balm, and hand lotion
What Not to Pack
Understanding prohibited items prevents complications during admission and potential safety issues during treatment. Common prohibited items include:
Substances and Related Items
Alcohol-containing products: Mouthwash, hand sanitizer, cooking extracts, and perfumes with alcohol
Illegal substances: Any controlled substances not prescribed by facility physicians
Paraphernalia: Items associated with substance use
Label everything: Mark all personal items with name and room number
Pack light: Bring only essential items to avoid clutter and loss
Prepare emotionally: Discuss concerns with family members and support persons
Arrange affairs: Organize work, childcare, and household responsibilities
Plan transportation: Confirm admission date, time, and transportation arrangements
The transition into residential treatment represents a significant step toward recovery. Proper preparation, including thoughtful packing, helps ensure patients can focus entirely on their treatment goals without unnecessary distractions or concerns about missing essential items.
By following facility guidelines and packing thoughtfully, individuals entering addiction treatment programs can create a foundation for successful recovery while maintaining comfort and dignity throughout their treatment journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much clothing should I pack for a 30-day rehab program?
Pack approximately 7-10 days' worth of comfortable, modest clothing. Most facilities provide laundry services or access to washing machines, making excessive clothing unnecessary. Focus on comfortable, appropriate items suitable for group therapy, recreational activities, and exercise sessions.
Can I bring my prescription medications to rehab?
Yes, bring all current prescription medications in original pharmacy containers with current labels. Treatment facilities require patients to surrender medications upon admission for secure storage and supervised administration. Provide complete prescriber information and medication schedules to facility medical staff.
Are electronic devices allowed in residential treatment?
Most residential programs have strict policies regarding electronic devices. Basic cell phones without internet access may be permitted for emergency communication, while smartphones, laptops, and gaming devices are typically prohibited. Contact your specific facility to verify their technology policies.
What documents do I need to bring to rehab?
Essential documents include government-issued photo ID, insurance cards, Social Security card, current medication lists, medical records, and emergency contact information. Organize all documentation before admission to ensure smooth intake processing and continued access to necessary services.
Should I bring cash or credit cards to treatment?
Most facilities recommend bringing minimal cash for incidental expenses and personal items from facility stores. Leave credit cards and large amounts of cash at home to prevent loss or theft. Check with your facility about their policies regarding personal funds and spending money during treatment.
RA
Written by
Rehab-Atlas Editorial Team
Our editorial team consists of clinical specialists, addiction counselors, and healthcare writers dedicated to providing accurate, evidence-based information.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment decisions.
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