Rehabs that Allow Cell Phones, Computers, Laptops, and Internet

A common question people have before they enter rehab is if they can bring their cell phone, computer, laptop, or a similar personal device. For many people, personal devices offer comfort, allowing them to stay in contact with the outside world—but they can also be a source of distraction and temptation. While some rehabs allow cell phones or personal devices, they are often regulated or restricted so patients can focus on treatment. You can contact the treatment facility you are considering ahead of time to confirm the policies around using personal devices.

Should Technology Be Allowed in Treatment?

Some rehabs use technology like apps and virtual reality to enhance addiction treatment and recovery.¹ Studies suggest that certain technologies offer promise for affecting the assessment, prevention, and treatment of substance use disorders (SUDs).² Yet, using personal devices like cell phones, computers, and laptops in rehab has potential advantages and disadvantages.

Research shows that social connectedness and support can play an important role in recovery.³ More specifically, maintaining positive relationships with supportive individuals can impact long-term abstinence and recovery from drug and alcohol addiction.³ Having access to the internet and other technology such as cell phones can help you stay in contact with healthy support systems in your life. Keeping in touch with friends and family can serve as a reinforcer to stay in treatment and continue to do the work required in treatment.

There may also be risks associated with technology use while in rehab. Many people that enter treatment for substance use also experience a co-occurring mental health disorder such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).⁴ Studies suggest that social media can worsen anxiety and depression.⁵ If patients have unregulated access to technology, a mental health disorder could be exacerbated, impeding treatment as a result.

Do Rehabs Allow Cell Phones?

In short, it depends, although rehabs that allow cell phones are uncommon. Cell phones and other electronic devices may distract patients from focusing on recovery, which is why many rehabs do not allow them.

Ultimately, the use of cell phones in rehab varies depending on the treatment facility. You can contact a representative at the facility ahead of time to confirm. Some treatment centers that allow cell phones may allow partial access to your cell phone after you have met certain milestones, while others may not allow you to have any access to your phone while in their care.

Do Rehabs Allow Computers and Laptops?

As is the case with cell phones, computer and laptop access in rehab is often limited, but it’s recommended to contact a representative ahead of time to confirm. While computers and laptops are common in everyday use, access to these devices may be regulated or restricted based on the treatment facility and its respective policies. Some rehabs may allow access to these devices for specific reasons, such as communication via chat or email or educational or work purposes.

Do Rehabs Have Internet Access and WiFi?

Many rehabs have limitations on internet access and wifi use. Internet access and WiFi are commonplace in everyday life, but life in rehab can look very different. In addition to cell phones, computers, and laptops, treatment facilities may regulate or restrict internet and WiFi to allow you to focus on recovery.

Rehabs That Allow Technology Use

Many rehabs do not allow the use of cell phones. However, some patients may benefit from rehabs where they can have their phone and use other technology if they need it for work purposes.

Sometimes, someone may be struggling with drug or alcohol addiction and leads executive functions at work. For those who may have responsibilities that can’t be ignored and need access to certain technology while in rehab, executive rehab is available.

Executive rehab allows access to the technology you need to continue working while you get the treatment you need for drug or alcohol addiction. Executive rehab provides the safety and stability of an inpatient treatment program but with rules and regulations that allow for safe communication in the outside world. You can reside in an inpatient treatment facility while addressing the day-to-day demands of your work obligations.

Executive rehabs provide the same confidentiality and privacy as other rehabs, along with several amenities to help patients manage their work such as:

How to Find Technology-Friendly Rehab Centers

Amenities at treatment facilities vary, as do the services provided. You can learn about the amenities, services provided, and other information by calling the treatment facility you are interested in and speaking to a representative. Consider asking the following questions about technology usage when getting in contact.

• Can I have my cellphone?
• Are there community phones I can use?
• What are the regulations/restrictions regarding community phones if they are offered?
• Can I call my family?
• How often can I call my family?
• How long can I talk with them?
• Do I have access to my email account?
• Are there community computers that I can use?
• What are the regulations/restrictions regarding community computers if they are offered?

Seeking treatment is the first step toward recovery. Understandably, technology may feel like an important consideration when choosing a treatment facility. You may want to seek out cell phone-friendly rehabs, but it’s important to remember that policies around technology use are created with your best interest in mind, with the goal being to help you achieve and sustain a happy, healthy life free from substances.

Does Insurance Cover Technology-Friendly Rehab?

Finding a treatment facility for your unique needs can feel overwhelming but knowing in advance what your insurance will cover can give you peace of mind. To learn about your specific coverage, call the number on the back of your insurance card, verify your insurance online, or fill out the form below.

Learn More About Technology in Rehab Centers

If you have questions about drug or alcohol treatment, you can contact American Addiction Centers at 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Not ready to text just yet? You can sign up for free personalized text support. There’s no obligation to enter treatment, and you can opt-out at any time.