What You Really Need to Pack for Rehab

Going away to rehab can be a very stressful experience. There is the prospect of leaving your home for an undetermined period of time, the unknown of what is to come and you are away from all of the creature comforts you have grown accustomed to. There is also the list of common reasons that people use to not get sober you may be using to hold off on your stint in treatment. Not to mention that a majority of the times a rehab stay is usually decided fairly last minute and at a point in time when things in your life are spiraling out of control.

All of this is enough to stress out even the most levelheaded person and there is a lot to take into account when leaving for rehab. One of the most common concerns for people going away to rehab though is what do I need to pack for my stay? So to take one thing off of your plate during this stressful time, this post is about exactly that, what should you pack for your stay in rehab?

What You Need To Pack for Rehab

The majority of rehabilitation centers across the country today are like mini-country clubs. They have apartments that the clients stay in. They take their clients shopping and essentially anything that you could ever want is available to you. Knowing this means that packing for rehab shouldn’t stress you out as much. If you forget something that is

essential you can always have someone mail it to you, or if it is vital, the center can bring you to buy it. That being said, trying to have all of the necessities when you first enter can help to make your transition into rehab easier.

Here are the essentials that you should bring to rehab:

Medications

Often times many centers will not let you have the medications that you bring with you. They will take them from you when you enter, so expect this so that you don’t get into an argument, but bring them with you anyway. Having any medications that you are currently taking can help the staff psychiatrist in their diagnosis of any underlying conditions you may have and can help to expedite your recovery.

Climate appropriate clothing

If you are going to South Florida for rehab then you probably want to bring shorts and t-shirts with you because you will need them for the Florida heat. If you are going to somewhere in the Midwest during winter then you want to pack appropriately for this type of climate. Having the proper clothing for the climate that you are going to is important, but at the same time, you always want to make sure that you bring a couple of hoodies or sweaters and some long pants because many treatment centers are notoriously cold. It could be 90 degrees outside and the group room would be 60, so it best to have something heavier in order to be comfortable at the center.

One or two pairs of shoes

Rehab is not a fashion show, although it can sometimes seem like one, and as such you do not need to bring a separate suitcase just for your shoes. Having a pair of sneakers and a nicer pair of shoes should be sufficient for your stay. If it’s summer or you are staying in a warm climate then you probably want to bring sandals as well.

Comfortable clothing

Sitting in groups all day can be uncomfortable, especially if you are not wearing comfortable clothing. It is a good idea to pack some sweatpants or comfy shorts so that the long days at the center can be more comfortable.

Personal Hygiene Products

Although you will more than likely be brought shopping during your stay it is best to have items such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, body wash, etc., with you when you enter the center. You may not get to go shopping right away and you wouldn’t want to be without these items for a day or two.

A Book

Most treatment centers will not let you have your computer and for good reason. A few years ago a lot of treatment centers wouldn’t even let you have your cell phone, but that is changing with time, so it a good idea to bring a book or two with you for down time. Once you get involved in a 12 Step program you will probably be spending your down time

reading the literature and doing step work, but until then having a book is a good idea.

iPod

If the treatment center allows you to have an iPod then bring one. Having music to listen to when you are stressed out or feeling down can be a great idea in early sobriety.

Ear Plugs

If you are a light sleeper then this is a must pack for rehab. Your will more than likely be sharing a room with another person and having ear plugs can be the difference between a goodnight’s rest and being tired the next day. Many treatment centers will have earplugs for you upon request, but just in case it is probably a good idea to bring some.

Cigarettes

f you are a smoker then you should definitely bring a decent amount of cigarettes with you. You won’t need enough for a month, but a carton should be sufficient to get you started. Most treatment centers will allow you to buy cigarettes during your stay, but to make it through the first couple of days make sure to have some.

If you are getting ready to go to rehab and you are nervous about it, don’t worry. Rehabs are not frightening places and you will more than likely have a great time during your stay. It may not seem like it at the moment but there will come a time in your future sobriety when you look back at your stay in treatment as one of the best times in your life. So be sure to pack what you need and don’t over think it. You don’t need golf clubs or anything fancy, just the basics such suffice.

Rose Lockinger is a passionate member of the recovery community. A rebel who found her cause, she uses blogging and social media to raise the awareness about the disease of addiction. She has visited all over North and South America. Single mom to two beautiful children she has learned parenting is without a doubt the most rewarding job in the world. Currently the Outreach Director at Stodzy Internet Marketing.

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