Drug and alcohol addiction affects millions of people in the United States. The impact of addiction can be severe. Prolonged substance abuse can harm people’s bodies, minds, relationships, and more.
Substance use disorder (SUD) is a complex condition that requires compassionate, holistic treatment. For most, the recovery process begins by starting treatment in a rehab facility. During rehab, people follow individualized treatment plans. They may receive specialized medical detox services before beginning a comprehensive rehab program.
The process of starting treatment can feel overwhelming. Knowing what to expect before, during, and after treatment in a rehab center can help you feel more confident at each stage of your recovery journey.
This article will give you tips on preparing and packing for rehab. You’ll learn:
- How to get ready to go to a treatment center
- What to bring to a treatment facility
- What to leave behind when you go to rehab
- Where to find comprehensive addiction treatment programs
If you or someone you love struggles with substance abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Archstone Recovery Center offers comprehensive addiction rehab and recovery support programs. Contact our intake specialists to learn more about our programs or to schedule an intake appointment.
How to Prepare for Rehab
Getting ready to start treatment in a rehab facility can make some people feel anxious. Whether it’s your first time going to rehab or you’re familiar with the process, going to rehab can feel a little overwhelming.
You can do several things to make the rehab transition go smoothly. These include:
- Researching the treatment facility to learn about the professionals you’ll be working with
- Learning more about the programs your treatment center offers
- Verifying your insurance details
- Talking to family and friends about your treatment plan (when appropriate)
- Taking care of practical matters, like childcare, pet care, house sitting, etc.
- Working with your employer to arrange a leave of absence from work, if necessary
- Addressing any legal or financial issues before starting long-term care
- Talk to a therapist, addiction counselor, or support group about your concerns and emotions about starting rehab
While it is a good idea to do many of these things before beginning treatment, it may not be possible to do them all. Ask for help with critical things you cannot do before leaving for rehab.
General Items to Pack for Rehab
Your treatment center will likely provide a list of items to bring to rehab. This list will give you examples of general items to pack for rehab.
You may want to bring:
- A physical list of contact information for your friends and family members (especially if you will not have access to your mobile phone in rehab)
- An alarm clock
- Current prescription medications, if necessary
- Your insurance card
- A credit card
- Cash for vending machines (small bills are best)
- Photos of friends or loved ones for your room
- Reading materials (your rehab center may have rules about what you can and cannot bring)
- A journal or notebook
- A personal ID, such as a driver’s license or passport
Follow your rehab center’s rules about what to pack. Having some of your own items can help you feel more comfortable in a new environment.
Clothing to Pack for Rehab
Each treatment facility has rules about what clothing you should pack. Generally, it is a good idea to pack enough clothing to last an entire week.
Some clothing items to pack include:
- Shirts, sweaters, and sweatshirts
- Pants or shorts
- Socks
- Underwear
- Comfortable shoes for daytime wear and a pair of sandals for the shower
- Pajamas
- Bathrobe
- Slippers
- A jacket, if necessary
Your treatment center will let you know if you need special clothing items, such as dressier clothes or a bathing suit. Don’t bring clothing that requires special care, like dry cleaning. Pack comfortable clothes that are right for the weather.
Hygiene Items to Bring to Rehab
The treatment center will likely provide shampoo, soap, and other basic hygiene items. However, you may want to bring personal care items you prefer. Some hygiene items to pack include:
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- A brush or comb
- Shampoo and hair products (non-aerosol only)
- Makeup
- Sunscreen
- Deodorant
- Period products (tampons, pads, cups, etc.)
Refer to the list of allowed hygiene items before packing for rehab. Only bring items that the center allows to avoid having to throw items away.
Items to Leave at Home
Your rehab center should provide a list of items that are banned from the center. Some items to leave behind when packing for rehab include:
- Guns, knives, tasers, or weapons of any kind
- Drugs, alcohol, certain prescription medications
- Over-the-counter medications
- Cleaning products
- Mouthwash and other items containing alcohol
- Incense, candles, or other flammable items
- Video games
- E-cigarettes or vapes
- Food or beverages
- Aerosol products
- Clothing with inappropriate images or messages
- Pornography of any kind
- Nail polish or nail polish remover
Check your addiction treatment center’s policy on electronic devices like cameras, laptops, or phones. Be sure to check with the program staff if you have questions about what to bring to rehab.
Find Treatment Now
If you or someone you love needs addiction treatment or support during recovery, you are not alone. Contact the Archstone Recovery specialists to learn about our comprehensive addiction treatment programs or to schedule an intake appointment.
