Packing for rehab is simpler than most people expect. You need about a week’s worth of comfortable clothing, alcohol-free toiletries, basic documents, and a few personal comfort items. Most facilities provide bedding, towels, and meals, so you’re really packing more like you would for a low-key week away from home. The details matter, though, because many common items are prohibited and could be confiscated at intake.
Clothing: Comfortable and Practical
Bring several sets of comfortable, casual clothing. Think athletic wear, t-shirts, sweatpants, and anything you’d normally wear around the house. Most programs expect you to get dressed every day for therapy sessions, so you’ll want enough outfits for about a week. Many facilities have laundry available, so you don’t need to pack for the entire length of your stay.
Shoes matter more than you might think. Pack soft-soled athletic shoes with nonskid bottoms. Backless shoes, flip-flops, and open-toed sandals are often not allowed because of fall risk. For nighttime, bring slippers with tread or traction on the soles, along with pajamas and a robe. If your program involves physical rehabilitation alongside treatment, bring shirts with buttons or zippers so you can practice dressing independently during occupational therapy.
Keep clothing modest and free of drug or alcohol references. Strings, drawstrings, and belts may be restricted depending on the facility. Check ahead of time whether your program has specific rules about these, as policies vary.
Toiletries: What Gets Confiscated
This is where most people run into trouble on admission day. The core rule: nothing containing alcohol, nothing in aerosol cans, nothing in glass containers. That eliminates a surprising number of everyday products. Standard mouthwash, many hair sprays, some colognes and perfumes, and certain deodorants all contain alcohol and will be taken at intake.
Stick with alcohol-free deodorant (non-aerosol), pump-style hair products, and alcohol-free mouthwash. All toiletries must be sealed and in their original packaging. Opened or unlabeled containers are typically not allowed. A safe list includes:
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Alcohol-free deodorant (solid stick, not aerosol)
- Shampoo and conditioner (plastic bottles only)
- Alcohol-free mouthwash
- Lotion (unscented, no alcohol)
- Brush or comb
Buy new, sealed products before you go. It saves time during the intake screening and ensures nothing gets flagged.
Documents and Insurance Information
Have your paperwork ready before you arrive. At minimum, you’ll need a government-issued photo ID, your Social Security number, and your insurance card. For insurance, the facility will need the insurance company’s contact information, the insured person’s name, ID and group numbers, and the employer’s name and phone number. If you’re on Medicare or Medicaid, bring that card instead.
If your treatment is connected to an accident, the documentation gets more involved. For auto accidents, bring a copy of your auto insurance card, the policy number, your agent’s contact information, and any claim details. For injuries on someone else’s property, you’ll need the location address, the property owner’s information, and your attorney’s contact details if applicable.
Also bring a list of emergency contacts with full names and phone numbers. You won’t have your phone contacts to reference, so write these down on paper.
Medications: Keep Original Bottles
Bring all current prescription medications in their original pharmacy bottles with the labels intact. This is non-negotiable at virtually every facility. The label confirms the prescribing doctor, the dosage, and that the prescription belongs to you. If you’ve lost the original container, get a copy of your prescription or a written letter from your doctor before admission day.
Your medications will almost certainly be collected at intake and stored by the facility’s medical staff. You won’t manage your own medication schedule during treatment. The medical team will review everything you’ve brought, verify prescriptions, and administer your medications on a set schedule. Some medications, particularly those with abuse potential, may be tapered or adjusted as part of your treatment plan.
Electronics: Expect Restrictions
Cell phone and laptop policies vary widely from one facility to the next. Some programs ban personal devices entirely. Others allow limited use during designated calling hours. Luxury and executive programs tend to offer more flexible access, while standard residential programs are more restrictive.
The restrictions exist for two main reasons. First, outside contact can undermine early recovery, especially if certain relationships or environments contributed to substance use. Second, camera phones create a serious privacy concern. Under federal health privacy laws, photographing other patients in treatment is a violation, and facilities manage this risk by limiting devices.
If your phone isn’t allowed, it will be collected at the front desk during admission and stored until discharge, or a family member can take it home. Students and professionals who need to handle urgent matters may receive special communication privileges, but this is arranged on a case-by-case basis. Call the facility in advance to ask about their specific policy so you’re not caught off guard.
Comfort Items That Help
A journal and pen are probably the most universally useful things you can pack. Writing is a central part of many treatment programs, and having your own notebook makes it feel less like homework. A few printed family photos can help with homesickness, especially during the first week. Most facilities allow books, though some screen reading material for content related to substance use or violence.
A small amount of cash (typically $20 to $50) is useful for vending machines or small purchases if the facility allows it. Some programs restrict cash entirely, so check first. Leave valuables, expensive jewelry, and anything irreplaceable at home. Facilities aren’t responsible for lost or stolen personal property.
What to Leave Behind
Beyond the obvious (alcohol, drugs, weapons), several everyday items are commonly prohibited:
- Aerosol cans of any kind
- Glass containers including perfume bottles and picture frames
- Unsealed food or drinks
- Over-the-counter medications (these must go through the medical team)
- Razors with removable blades
- Extension cords or heating elements
- Clothing with drug or alcohol imagery
Anything confiscated at intake is typically stored and returned at discharge or sent home with a family member. It’s not personal. Every person admitted goes through the same screening.
A Practical Packing Approach
Pack in a soft-sided bag, not a hard suitcase. Some facilities require bags that can be easily searched. Keep it simple: seven days of clothes, basic toiletries (all alcohol-free, all sealed), documents in a folder, medications in original bottles, a journal, a few photos, and some cash. That covers what you’ll actually need.
Call the facility a day or two before admission to confirm their specific rules. Every program has its own list, and policies can change. The intake coordinator can tell you exactly what’s allowed, what to leave at home, and what the facility provides. Most places supply bedding, towels, and basic hygiene items, so if you forget something or a product gets confiscated, you won’t go without.