What to Bring to Rehab

Although there are similarities to a hospital stay, what you do in drug or alcohol rehab is different. In inpatient rehab, you’ll be living at the facility while participating in daily activities.

In this article, we’ll discuss what you should and shouldn’t bring to inpatient rehab. We’ll also provide a packing checklist and discuss other things you should know about the treatment.

What to Bring to Inpatient Rehab

During inpatient rehab, you’ll need clothing, toiletries, and other personal items for your stay. However, every rehab center has different guidelines and policies regarding what they allow and what they prohibit. 

Before you pack, we suggest asking a member of the admissions team about their guidelines to ensure that you’re following their rules. Using a checklist is the best way to ensure that you remember everything you need while you recover.

Packing Checklist for Inpatient Rehab

When packing for rehab, include several important items on your list. Here is a rehab center packing checklist we recommend:

• Comfortable clothes: Most rehab centers have a dress code that you have to adhere to. But you can wear comfortable clothes and undergarments.
• Footwear: Bring comfortable shoes that you can wear every day and a pair of tennis shoes for sports activities. Having flip-flops for the shower will be good too.
• Personal hygiene products: Be sure all the toiletries you need, including feminine hygiene products, shaving cream, deodorant, etc.
• Assistive devices: Hearing aids, glasses, dentures, canes, etc. are allowed.
• Recreational tools: You can bring books, magazines, and a journal.
• Important documents: Make sure to bring health insurance documents, medical information, and valid IDs. 
• Money: Credit or debit cards won’t be necessary, but having some cash can be convenient for vending machines.

It’s also a good idea to bring an item or two from home that offers comfort, as long as it’s safe to do so. Don’t bring anything highly valuable.

What Should You Not Bring to Rehab?

All centers have a list of items you can’t bring. They do this to ensure the safety of everyone inside the treatment center and create an environment that is conducive to recovery.

First and foremost, you shouldn’t bring any drugs or alcohol to rehab. While the list of other prohibited items may vary from center to center, these items are almost always banned:

• Aerosols
• Cleaning supplies
• DVDs, video games, playing cards
• Electronics and gadgets
• E-cigarettes
• Outside food and drinks
• Perfume, cologne, or scented lotion
• Pornographic materials
• Previously opened over-the-counter medications
• Products that contain alcohol
• Prohibited prescriptions
• Pornographic materials
• Sports equipment
• Weapons and sharp objects

Can You Bring Medication into Rehab?

Rehab programs are all different, but no matter what treatment center you choose, most require you to leave your medications behind.

If you have concerns about prescription medication or OTC medication you usually use, speak to someone from the alcohol or drug rehab facility in advance.

You’ll have access to the medication you need while in rehab. It will be part of your treatment plan. In some cases, you’ll bring your medication with you and turn it over to the staff during the intake process.

Can You Smoke in Rehab?

If you are a smoker or tobacco user, you might not be able to bring your cigarettes or other tobacco products while you are in a treatment program. Make sure you check in advance so you know if cigarettes, chewing tobacco, and other items are banned.

Can You Bring Your Pet to Rehab?

It might surprise you to learn that some rehab programs allow you to bring your pet with you. Medical studies have shown that pets provide ICU patients and others comfort during stressful times, including addiction recovery.

Many rehab facilities have incorporated pets into their programs, recognizing the benefits of having a pet during stressful situations, but it’s important to ask about their policies first.

Keep in mind that not all facilities allow pets or have pets in their programs. Because of the stress associated with rehab, you might not be able to care for your pet if they are in the program with you. However, if this is something that interests you, search for pet-friendly programs.

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How Long Does Rehab Take?

The length of rehab varies based on the individual. The average time in an inpatient facility for alcohol addiction or drug addiction is about a month. 

Behavioral health rehab lasts between 10 and 13 days. It’s also important to note that although rehab is a set period, recovery is an ongoing process.

For many, challenges with addiction can last a lifetime. That’s why it’s essential to seek continuous support.

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Can Family Visit During Inpatient Rehab?

Most rehab facilities allow visits from loved ones, but there will likely be restrictions. There might be a period before a resident can have visitors, and once visitors are allowed, it will likely be during certain hours.

If you have a loved one in rehab and you are planning a visit with other family members, remember the following:

• Be positive and upbeat but genuine.
• Don’t bring up the cost of rehab.
• Don’t focus too much on the future or what’s going to happen once the program is complete, especially early on.
• Avoid specific comments about your loved one’s physical appearance.
• Avoid pressuring or pestering your loved one about any issues.
• Be supportive.

What Happens When You Get Out of Rehab?

Once you’ve completed rehab, you can return to your normal life. However, maintaining your sobriety will be one of the most challenging aspects of your life.

Fortunately, rehab programs often prepare you for life after rehab. They teach you coping skills and techniques to manage cravings and prevent a relapse. 

The risk of relapse is the greatest within the first 6 months after treatment. Having a plan for after you leave rehab and a treatment facility is a great way to reduce this risk. 

Here are some things we recommend you do:

• Focus on building relationships with drug- and alcohol-free people.
• Continue with individual therapy.
• Attend all medical check-ups.
• Participate in a 12-step or similar program for alcohol or drug abuse.
• Avoid triggers, such as places, people, things, and emotions, that make you want to drink alcohol or use drugs as much as possible.
• Find new ways to fill your time, such as hobbies or spending time with a new social group that isn’t focused on drugs or alcohol.

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