Inpatient rehabilitation centers have very strict policies in terms of what you can bring. Most of the time, you will be provided with a complete packing list so that you’d know exactly what to pack and what to leave out.

As a general rule, you are allowed to bring your necessities. The rehab facilitator will create a catalog of your belongings to ensure that you will bring everything with you when you leave.

Complete Packing List

1. Contact list

This is a list of the contact information of the people who are involved in your recovery. This includes the names, addresses, and phone numbers of your friends and loved ones. It also includes the details of your healthcare professionals and sponsors. In this way, your facilitator will know who exactly to contact in case of emergencies.

2. Important jewelry

Everyday jewelry is allowed. This includes your wedding ring, engagement ring, or wristwatch. Other unnecessary pieces must be left at home.

3. Alarm clock

Rehab centers encourage a healthy lifestyle which starts by waking up bright and early. An alarm clock will help you get up on time so that you can participate in the day-to-day activities. It should be an analog clock without a radio or any other features. Some rehab centers provide alarm clocks so be sure to check first before purchasing one.

4. Prescription medication

Your prescription medication should be stored in the original pharmacy bottle. The label which contains the information and refill date should be intact. Liquid medications must come in brand-new and sealed bottles. A list of all of the medications and their dosage must also be provided.

5. Cash

Patients are allowed to bring small amounts of cash for store runs or vending machines. The recommended amount is $50 to $100.

6. Payment method

This depends if the payment is already settled before the patient is admitted into the treatment center. The patient might need to bring their checkbook or debit cards to settle balances or to purchase medication. Insurance cards are also necessary if the inpatient treatment program is covered by the patient’s insurance company.

7. Identification cards

IDs allow the rehab center to properly identify and confirm the identity of the patient. This is also necessary documentation for processing paperwork. Some valid forms of identification include a driver’s license and passport.

8. Notebook or journal

A notebook or journal is necessary because patients are encouraged to write down their thoughts and feelings. One exercise is gratitude journaling wherein they list down all of the things they are grateful for. This allows them to adopt a grateful mindset which will make them appreciate their lives even more so that they will value healing. The patient may also want to write down anything inspiring that they might hear from the group or individual therapy sessions. They can go back to these learnings later on.

9. Pictures

Patients are allowed to bring pictures of their friends, families, and loved ones. These photos may be kept inside their wallet, journal, or on the wall of their room. This allows them to remember and value the important people in their lives whom they might have hurt and needed to make serious changes for.

10. Clothing

Inpatient rehab centers usually have strict dress codes. It is best to pack layering options so that you can adjust your outfit according to the weather condition and temperature that day. Pack some sweaters, cardigans, or jackets in case you need to warm yourself up. Avoid overpacking since closet spaces in rehab centers are usually limited.

Make sure to bring enough clothes to last for a week before laundry day. It is also important to bring clothes that are easy to wash. Avoid clothes that need special washing care, like dry cleaning.

Pack comfortable shoes that you can walk in all day and not feel tired of. You also need a pair of tennis or rubber shoes for athletic and outdoor activities. Some rehab centers encourage morning workouts and hiking so you will need the appropriate footwear for those.

You may also bring a dressy option or two for special occasions like Family Night.

11. Personal Hygiene And Beauty Products

Rehab centers require all personal hygiene and beauty products to be alcohol-free. Aerosols are also not allowed. Your kit should include the essentials like toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, hair styling items, feminine hygiene products, lotion, makeup, and sunscreen.

What NOT To Bring

• Alcohol
• Drugs
• Narcotics
• Weapons like sharp objects, scissors, knives, and guns
• Any form of pornography
• Drinks and food
• Alcohol-based toiletry and hygiene products
• Electronic cigarettes
• Nail polish and nail polish remover
• DVDs and video games
• Revealing clothing
• Sporting equipment
• Aerosols
• Electronics
• Cleaning supplies like ammonia and bleach
• Board games
• Playing cards
• Candles

You might be surprised as to why electronics, games, and digital media aren’t allowed. This is because the patients should focus on healing which can be achieved by eliminating distractions. Do not worry because inpatient rehab centers have a rec room in which patients will be allowed to play or watch films during break times.

Patients with special dietary needs should notify the center so that the appropriate meals can be provided for them.

Get Help Now

Contact R&R Recovery for the complete list of items that you can bring. The center allows you to bring items that will make your room feel comfortable so that you will feel at home.