If you’ve already selected and decided to enter an inpatient treatment center for your drug or alcohol addiction, you’ve made a big and important decision. As you prepare for weeks at the facility, you might wonder what you need to bring with you, what the center will provide, and what isn’t allowed. Bringing along the right things will make your stay more comfortable and comforting.
Below are some of the items that you should pack in your suitcase before you enter a drug addiction treatment center. These may vary from center to center, so be sure to ask what they will supply.
Papers and Wallet Essentials
The first thing to consider are your papers, lists, and wallet essentials. Be sure to pack the following:
- Lists of your contacts that you wish to involve in your treatment, including your loved ones and healthcare providers
- Lists of your medications and dosages
- $50 to $100 cash to purchase vending machine items and snacks
- Credit and debit cards for treatment and medication
- Your insurance card and a form of ID
- Something to write on, like a notepad or journal
- Books in the genres allowed by the treatment center
Shoes and Clothing
Of course, you’ll need to pack clothing. Many centers have dress codes, so review them prior to packing. You should also ask how often you’ll be able to do laundry to get a good idea of how many items you need to pack. You should bring:
- Comfortable shoes, gym shoes, and flip flops for showering
- Comfortable shirts that comply with the dress code
- A light sweater for indoor air conditioning or cold rooms
- Gym clothes, if you’ll be using a gym
- A couple nicer outfits to dress up for special events
- Pants
- Socks and underwear
- A swimsuit
- Pajamas
- An appropriate outdoor jacket, and gloves/hat if necessary
- A bath robe
Medication, Toiletries, and Beauty Products
You should also prepare your bag with medications, toiletries, and beauty products. Your drug addiction treatment center may have regulations on the amount of alcohol allowed in these products, so be sure to ask. You should bring:
- Your medications in the original bottles with labels
- Deodorant
- A toothbrush and toothpaste
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Soap
- Shaving cream
- Feminine hygiene products
- A brush or comb
- Sunscreen
You might also consider bringing:
- Lotion
- Makeup
- Hair styling products (non-aerosol)
Items You Can’t Bring
Remember your drug addiction treatment center will have a list of items you can’t pack as well. In general, if you can’t take it on an airplane, you probably can’t bring it to the treatment center either. These items include flammables, knives, razors, and aerosols.
Your treatment center will ban narcotics, alcohol, pornography, products that contain alcohol, and anything that references drugs and profanity. There will also be limits on what you can bring for entertainment, and you shouldn’t try to bring your own video games or DVDs.
Preparing Your Bag for a Drug Addiction Treatment Center
Now that you’re ready with the essentials, don’t forget to pack photos of loved ones, your favorite shirt, and other small items that bring you comfort. Once your bag is packed, you’re ready to enter your drug addiction treatment center.
