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American Addiction Centers National Rehabs Directory

Rehab Packing List: What to Take to Inpatient Rehab

Getting ready to spend several weeks in a addiction treatment facility can feel overwhelming, but planning ahead can make the transition a lot easier. One concern you might have is what to bring to drug rehab. A quick look at your chosen treatment center’s website can provide you with a basic list of what to take to rehab and what to leave at home. But by planning ahead and reading the following packing list for drug and alcohol inpatient rehab, you can help make your stay more comfortable.

Drug and Alcohol Rehab Packing List

Realizing you forgot to pack something that could have helped improve your stay in inpatient rehab can be frustrating. Here are a few tips on commonly overlooked packing necessities (and ways to avoid feeling jealous that your roommate brought cozy slippers, their favorite music for long walks, and their swimsuit for taking a dip in the pool!)

1. Bring Reading and Writing Materials

The drug or alcohol addiction treatment facility may emphasize and/or allow certain types of reading material or books. If desired, you may want to bring an inspirational book as a way to pass time or distract yourself. You may also want to write while you’re in rehab, so a notebook or journal may also be helpful.

2. Pack Comfortable Clothes and Sneakers

Once you get settled in, chances are you’ll want to wear sweatpants every day vs. tight, uncomfortable clothes. Additionally, a lot of treatment centers have a fitness center or walking trails, and it’s pretty difficult to work out in jeans.

3. Bring a List of Important Phone Numbers

Odds are you aren’t going to have access to your personal phone to get any numbers out of it that you may need. Before you check in, take a few minutes to jot down your important contacts on a piece of paper that you can bring with you.

4. Pack Swimwear and Workout Clothing

Some treatment centers plan fun outings for patients. Those activities might include a trip to the beach or an outdoor hiking trail. Be sure to pack a swimsuit and workout clothing, plus accessories like flip flops, hiking boots, and a hat. Be sure to ask if the treatment facility has onsite amenities and activities that may require special clothing, like yoga classes or horseback riding.

5. Bring Alcohol-Free Toiletries

Things like hand sanitizer and hairspray are typically not allowed in rehab. These prohibited items contain denatured alcohol, which is ethyl alcohol before it’s chemically altered. During alcohol detox, people have been known to drink perfume, spray gel, or even face wash when cravings become too overwhelming.

6. Pack an Old iPod

These may be hard to find today, but odds are you or someone you know has an old iPod around the house somewhere. It’s a good idea to load it up with all the music you like. For multiple reasons, most treatment centers won’t let you bring a cell phone or any kind of device that connects to the Internet. Many patients have used these devices to leave against medical advice, take photos that violate another client’s privacy, or get drugs brought into the facility. And after you get your hands on an old iPod or MP3 player, make sure you don’t forget the charger!

7. Bring a Pair of Slippers

You’re probably not going to want to lace up sneakers every time you leave your room. Slippers are useful for taking strolls in the facility, getting your medications, or using the phone. You may even want to wear them all day, every day.

Take the First Step Toward Treatment

If you are wondering if addiction treatment is for you, or are worried about starting detox or rehab, speak with one of our admissions navigators today. An American Addiction Centers (AAC) admissions navigator can talk to you about your treatment options and recovery concerns.

Seeking drug or alcohol addiction treatment could be the most important thing you do to regain control of your health and well-being. Locate a treatment center near you using the rehabs.com directory, or instantly verify your insurance coverage offered by your health insurance provider.

Call our caring and professional admission navigators today at to help get the support you need for addiction treatment.

Additional Reading: Choosing a Rehab – Close to Home or Far Away?

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