Entering rehab is an already often stressful experience for clients. Understanding how to be prepared for rehab can help you or a loved one decrease any negative feelings about treatment. Many clients ask what they should bring and what is not allowed.
Understand what you should bring, what is not permitted, and how to best prepare before entering treatment.
What Is Inpatient Rehab?
Inpatient rehab, otherwise known as residential treatment, is a form of recovery from substance abuse. It takes place in a specially equipped residence designed to welcome several clients at once and include a variety of amenities. Clients remain at the residence for the duration of their stay. They typically follow a structured routine with round-the-clock support and supervision.
Most rehabs include a range of services:
- Medically-supervised detox: Under the care of doctors, nurses, and counselors, this is typically the entry point for detoxification during withdrawal
- Inpatient residence: The primary facility where therapy takes place
- Aftercare and alumni programs
- Intensive Outpatient
Therapy in rehab helps patients come to terms with their substance abuse issues as well as any co-occurring mental health problems. They will learn to cope with cravings, manage triggers, and positively cope with stress. These can include a combo of medication management, individual therapy, family counseling, and support groups such as 12-steps.
Clients follow a structured daily program. They are expected to follow house rules and contribute to functioning in various ways. Contact with the outside world is limited to allow clients to focus on their recovery. Engagement with other clients is a key focus in providing social contact and mutual support. After inpatient treatment, clients may transition to a sober living community or outpatient program.
How Long Do Inpatient Rehab Programs Last?
Inpatient rehab typically lasts from 30 to 90 days, depending on the situation and needs of each client. Longer periods are more beneficial as they allow time for deeper therapy work and abstinence from substances.
What to Pack for Drug & Alcohol Rehab
It’s recommended to have a comprehensive packing list to ensure you bring only the essentials and avoid bringing certain things. This also alleviates the stress of packing and allows clients to focus on preparing for recovery. Appropriate preparation is important for a successful rehab experience and for starting recovery with confidence.
Each center has its own guidelines, so check with Admissions first. As a rule, avoid bringing expensive clothing, shoes, or jewelry, and don’t bring any valuables you might take off or lose during treatment.
Clothes To Pack
- A week’s worth of comfortable clothing. Avoid items with offensive language or drug-related images.
- Sweater or indoor jacket
- Sleepwear: Comfortable pajamas or nightgowns and bathrobe
- Shoes: Comfortable walking shoes and sneakers
- Non-revealing workout clothing: (some centers may not allow leggings or cropped shirts)
- Swimsuits: One-piece for women; knee-length board shorts for men
- Flip flops to shower
Medications
- Bring current prescription medications in their original, labeled containers. Bring a list of all medications with dosages for each
- Liquid medication, if applicable, in it’s new and unopened packaging
- Sealed vitamins
You may not have access to your medication after you check in, but it will help the doctors understand your medical needs better. Some medications and supplements may not be allowed at the rehab facility, so always check first before packing items like:
- Medications containing alcohol
- Narcotic medications
- Over-the-counter medications
- Nutritional supplements
Unopened Toiletries to Pack
- Personal Hygiene: Unopened, alcohol-free toiletries such as toothbrush, toothpaste, alcohol-free mouthwash, shampoo, alcohol-free conditioner, soap and deodorant
- Makeup: Basic unopened essentials if desired
- Feminine products
- Sunscreen: Lotion, lip balm
Personal Items You Can Bring to Rehab
- Identification: Valid ID, such as a driver’s license or passport, essential for admissions
- Health Insurance Information: Insurance card and policy details
- Medical records: Necessary medical records and prescriptions
- Prescription card or pharmacy card
- Cash: Small amount for vending machines
- Journal or notebook: For personal reflection and note-taking during treatment. Ask what is appropriate
- Sketchbook
- Reading materials: Recovery-oriented or self-help books
- Photos: Of loved ones for comfort and motivation
- Contact list: Names and phone numbers of important contacts
- Laundry bag: For storing dirty clothes
- Alarm clock: simple non-radio alarm clock if allowed
- Jewelry: That you wear every day (e.g., wedding ring or watch)
- Mobile phone: If permitted by the residence
What Not To Pack for Rehab
Rehab is about healing and focusing on recovery. Some items can distract you during rehab and should be left at home. While each rehab center varies in what it doesn’t allow on-site, the following items are rarely allowed at treatment facilities.
- Drug-related items
- Any items containing alcohol on the ingredients list
- Aerosol products
- Open vitamins or supplement products
- Excessive makeup or jewelry
- Electronic devices, unless permitted
- Weapons such as pocket knives or sharp objects
- Food and drink
- Candles or incense
- Dental floss (usually provided)
- Opened vitamin bottles and supplements
- Sporting equipment
- Pornographic materials
What You Might Be Able to Bring
- Cell phones: Check with the residence.
- Tobacco products: Some facilities permit smoking outside. Some provide smoking cessation products
- Bedding: Check with the residence.
- Disposable or electric razors and nail clippers: Some residences allow them, but only if checked out for showers and immediately returned
Residential Rehab in Michigan
Rushton Recovery understands the complex nature of drug & alcohol recovery. We prioritize your well-being, safety, and comfort during treatment. Our detox and residential treatment center in Michigan offers a healing space to embark on your journey toward sobriety. We offer evidence-based therapies designed to evolve with your individual needs and address the root of your substance abuse. Let our team help you get clean, repair relationships, and equip you with the skills to achieve long-term recovery. Reach out to our Admissions team now.
