What Should I Pack for Rehab?

It’s likely that many people we have assisted will eventually opt to attend a residential rehab clinic. After all, it’s pretty unanimous amongst addiction experts that residential rehab is by far the most effective form of addiction treatment.

And for many of these people, this will probably be the first time they have ever set foot inside a rehab clinic.

If this is the case for yourself, then know that going to rehab is a stressful and scary time for most. Even those who have been to several rehab clinics will likely experience stress when they are about to undergo the entire experience all over again.

One burning question you may have about going to rehab for the first time is ‘What should I pack?’ Going to rehab is similar to going on holiday in many aspects. However, rehab clinics will also expressly forbid many items that would otherwise be perfectly acceptable to bring along to a holiday either within Britain or abroad.

With the average rehab programme lasting 28 days, then it’s understandable that you will be eager to learn what you should pack and what you shouldn’t pack.

In reality, each rehab will impose slightly different rules when it comes to what you can and cannot bring along with you.

Some rehabs are extremely strict in terms of restricting what you are not allowed to bring, whilst other rehabs are more liberal, believing that rehab should mimic your home environment as much as possible since it’s this sort of environment where you will ultimately need to adjust to in order to conquer your addiction.

One thing that adds to that stress is wondering what you should bring with you for your stay and time in treatment.

Whilst we could not conceivably list what you can bring and what you cannot for every rehab clinic in Britain, we do, however, seek to provide general information that will apply to most rehab clinics with minimal variations.

Before you begin your rehab programme, be sure to speak to the clinic’s admission team. These people will be able to offer specific advice on this important matter.

Without further ado, we now list a number of items that you should bring to rehab to ensure your stay is as comfortable as possible:

Item #1: Clothing

Whilst this may seem obvious, you would be surprised by the number of people who turn up to rehab without bringing along any clothes other than the ones they are currently wearing.

In our time, we’ve never heard of a rehab clinic that imposes any sort of dress code. All you must bring along is casual clothing that is comfortable. However, do not wear clothing that’s either sexually suggestive or offensive in any way.

It’s key to wear clothing that’s comfortable. If you attend a rehab clinic that lends itself to outdoor pursuits, ensure you bring along clothing that will allow you to take part in these activities so that you are comfortable.

It’s important to bring along about a week’s worth of clothing. Most rehab clinics offer a free laundry service, so if you are completing a 28-day programme, you won’t need to bring along 28 pairs of jeans, socks and underwear etc.

Item #2: Toiletries

Second on our list is toiletries. Many rehabs will offer the basics such as toothpaste, toothbrushes and shower gel, but bring along your own just in case this is not made available.

Before you go to rehab, make an inventory of toiletry items you just cannot live without. This list will probably be longer for women for practical reasons. Also, ensure you bring along enough of each item to reflect the amount of time you will be spending within a rehab clinic.

Item #2: Reading materials

When you go to rehab, you will spend a great deal of your day within therapy sessions. However, to prevent emotional fatigue, rehab clinics will ensure you benefit from plenty of down time each day. It is thus important to bring along reading material that will help you avoid the inevitable boredom.

Bring along reading materials that complement therapy sessions. We recommend you invest in self-help books that are related to addiction. There are many such titles available in bookshops or online.

It’s a good idea to bring along a variety of reading materials, such as newspapers, journals, magazines, comics and books. This variation will ensure you are broadening your perspective independently during your rehab programme.

Item #3: Medication

Many people attending rehab will suffer from mental and physical health problems that require daily medication in order to treat. If you fall into this category, ensure you bring along enough medication to last the entire duration of your rehab programme.