What to Bring to Rehab: A Packing List

Inpatient rehabilitation at a treatment center can mean days or weeks away from home. You’ll need to pack necessities, from clothing to medications, to help you stay comfortable throughout your treatment.

However, it’s important to note that most rehabilitation or treatment centers have very strict policies on what you can and can’t bring to rehab. These policies are meant to keep you, your belongings, and your fellow patients safe.

Before you attend rehab, your treatment center should provide you with a checklist of items to bring. If you are unsure what to bring, you should always ask before you arrive as policies may change.

What to Bring to Rehab: A Packing List

You should pack items for rehab as if you are going on a trip and staying in a hotel. In general, rehabilitation centers recommend you bring the following items for your stay:

• A list of who you want involved in your treatment. Include names, addresses and phone numbers of any sponsors, loved ones, or healthcare providers your treatment center may need to contact during your stay.
• Jewelry you wear every day, like a wedding ring or watch.
• A list of any medicines you take as well as any prescription medicines you take in the correct, labeled pharmacy bottle. Liquid medicines should be new and still sealed. Any over-the-counter medications should also be new and unopened.
• A small amount of cash (less than $100) in small bills or change for runs to the store or trips to the vending machine
• Your credit or debit card to pay for any medicines you take for treatment
• Your insurance cards and a picture ID
• A calling card (if you cannot have your phone and your facility does not provide free long-distance calls)
• A notebook or journal
• Pictures of your loved ones
• Self-help or recovery paperback books (many facilities provide reading material)
• Glasses or contacts as needed
• Personal hygiene items like deodorant or shampoo that are new and unopened
• Shaving razor or electric razor and shaving cream
• Unopened cigarettes (if your facility allows smoking on the premises)
• Hobby items, such as knitting or sketching, as approved by your facility

You should bring items you use every day and help you feel clean, comfortable, and confident. Remember that some items may not be allowed in your facility because they interfere with treatment.

Clothes to Bring to Rehab

You also need to bring clothing for your stay. Some facilities have dress codes you will need to follow. Always ask about your facility’s dress code if you are unsure what to bring.

You may want to bring clothing items such as:

• Comfortable every day shoes
• Shoes for sports or walks
• Flip-flops for the shower
• Slippers to keep your feet warm inside
• T-shirts or tops with sleeves and/or cardigans to wear over sleeveless tops
• Pants, shorts, or skirts that comply with the dress code
• Gym clothes for yoga, workouts, or other forms of exercise
• One or two nicer outfits for occasions like Family Night
• Socks
• Underwear
• Swimming trunks for men or one-piece bathing suit for women
• Bath robe
• Pajamas
• Seasonal clothes if it is cold, such as a coat or sweater, hat, and gloves

You should have access to laundry services at your facility, so you don’t need to bring clothes for every day of your stay. Simply bring enough clothes for about week or so.

Remember, you want to feel comfortable throughout your stay. Focus on bringing clothes that make you feel comfortable and confident.

What Documents Should I Bring to Rehab?

When preparing for rehab, it’s important to bring key documents that will help the admissions process go smoothly. Start with a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport, to confirm your identity. You’ll also need your health insurance card so the facility can verify your coverage and handle any claims. If you have access to recent medical records, including details of past treatments, mental health history, and any hospital or outpatient discharge papers. A full list of current medications is essential, along with the original prescription bottles that clearly show your name and dosage instructions.

Be sure to bring emergency contact information, including names and phone numbers of family members or other key people. If you’re involved in any legal matters, such as probation, custody agreements, or court-ordered treatment, you should bring copies of those legal documents as well. Some programs may require a referral from a doctor or counselor, so check with the rehab center ahead of time. If your stay in rehab will affect your job or school responsibilities, it may also be helpful to bring proof of employment or school enrollment, or contact information for your HR department or academic advisor.

What Not to Bring to Rehab

When you arrive at your rehabilitation center, staff members will search your belongings to make sure that you aren’t bringing anything into the center that doesn’t belong. In general, you should leave the following items at home:

• Drugs, alcohol, or drug and alcohol paraphernalia
• Jewelry you don’t wear every day
• Other valuables you don’t want lost
• Your cellphone, laptop, tablet, smart watch, radio, or other electronic equipment
• Large amounts of cash (over $100)
• Any medicines not on your medication list
• Lots of décor or small items for your room
• Explicit reading materials or materials that aren’t allowed (may include some fiction and non-fiction, magazines, etc.)
• High heels or overly dressy clothes
• Musical instruments or devices
• Any weapons, including knives and guns
• Pornography of any kind
• Mouthwash and perfume that contains alcohol
• Herbs or supplements not prescribed by your physician
• Clothes that violate the dress code
• Any pets, even fish or lizards
• Board games, cards, and video games
• Candles or incense

You also won’t need to bring linens like pillows or blankets. These will be provided for you.

In addition to packing before you go to rehab, it’s important you have everything taken care of at home. You may need to pause your mail or arrange its pick up, coordinate care for your pet, and arrange for someone to look after your home and yard. Work with loved ones to ensure these tasks are taken care of before you come to rehab so you don’t have to worry while you are away.

You should also ensure that any alcohol, drugs, or paraphernalia is removed from your home. You won’t want to see these items when you return.

What May Rehab Provide?

Typically rehab may provide the following though this may change depending on the rehab.

• Basic bedding, towels, linens, and blankets
• Toiletries like soap, shampoo, and toothpaste
• Laundry facilities and detergent
• Meals and snacks
• Recreational equipment

Can I Bring My Phone or Laptop to Rehab?

This will depend on the rehab as some will allow limited use of electronic devices. Contact Harmony Place to learn more about these items.

Can People Bring Me Things in Rehab?

Yes, in many cases, outsiders such as family and friends can bring you things while you are in rehab, but there are usually strict rules in place. Each rehab center has its own policies, so it’s important to check with the facility first. Some common guidelines include:

• Items must be approved by staff before being delivered to ensure they are safe and allowed.
• Packages may be searched to prevent prohibited items from entering the facility.
• Food and drinks are usually not allowed unless they are medically necessary and pre-approved.
• Clothing, books, or toiletries may be allowed, especially if you forgot something or need replacements.
• Deliveries might be limited to certain days or visiting hours.

Can I Bring My Pets to Rehab?

Most rehab centers do not allow pets, as they can create safety, allergy, and distraction concerns. However, there are pet-friendly rehab centers that do allow emotional support animals or even companion pets under strict guidelines. If having your pet is important to your emotional well-being, ask in advance whether accommodations can be made and if documentation is needed.

Can I Bring My Children to Rehab?

In general, children are not allowed to live with you during treatment, especially in traditional inpatient rehab programs. Rehab is designed to provide a focused, structured environment for recovery, which can be difficult to maintain with young children present. However, some specialized programs do allow mothers (or fathers) to bring young children, especially in family-focused or women-only facilities. These programs may offer childcare, parenting classes, and family therapy.

Rehab centers prioritize safety and focus on recovery, so even gifts with good intentions may be restricted. Always call ahead to ask what’s permitted before someone brings or sends anything. Would you like help writing a checklist for friends or family on what they can bring?

At Harmony Place in Woodland Hills, California, we provide a relaxing, comfortable environment for rehabilitation and recovery. Contact us today at 855-652-9048 to learn more about our services and how you or your loved one can prepare for a successful rehabilitation from drugs and alcohol. Check out our inpatient rehab treatment center in Los Angeles.