In a study conducted in 2018, nearly 75% or 20.5 million Americans with a substance abuse problem were in recovery. That's why rehab centers play a huge role in helping people get a second chance in life.
But have you ever thought about what the dress code is or what you could or couldn't bring to rehab? Transcend Recovery Community is here to help you find out.
Clothing Items to Bring to Rehab
When you are admitted to a rehabilitation facility, the staff will help you pack a week's worth for your stay.
You can wear your clothes during your stay in the treatment center. But you may need to double-check as some facilities may have a strict dress code and require that you wear hospital gowns or scrubs during certain parts of your treatment. If this is the case, ask what type of clothing is best to bring with you.
For women: Bring comfortable bras (no underwire), underwear, and pajamas or sleepwear. It’s a good idea to bring several pairs of underwear in case they get soiled or lost during treatment.
For men: Underwear and pajamas or sleepwear are also appropriate for men. Shirts should be button-down or polo-style shirts without collars that can irritate wounds on the neck or shoulders. Tank tops may be comfortable and long sleeve shirts with buttons at the wrist so they don’t pull against your arms if you have an IV catheter inserted into one component. If it’s cold outside, consider bringing sweaters or jackets for layering options.
It's best to make a packing checklist which you can consult with rehab centers to ensure that your clothing fits the code for proper attire during your rehab stay. From there, you can ask everything you want to know—from tennis shoes to your bath robe, jeans or athletic shorts, or any article of clothing you'd like to consider for special occasions, physical activities, or outdoor activities.
Non-Clothing Items to Bring to Rehab
The list of items that you can bring with you to the rehabilitation facility is quite long and you must pay close attention to what is allowed and what is not. The following are some of the items that you can bring with you:
- Reading materials if they are allowed by the facility administration. Some facilities allow their patients to bring books (fiction or self-help books) or magazines while others don't allow them at all so it's best if you check with them first before bringing any books or magazines along with you inside their facility.
- Computers or laptops if they are allowed by the facility administration. Make sure to consult with the treatment center about the allowable number of gadgets you can bring, especially if Internet access is limited or prohibited altogether in the area.
Personal Hygiene And Beauty Products
The following list is an example of personal hygiene and beauty products that you are allowed to bring to a rehabilitation facility.
The following items may be considered for rehab:
- Toothbrushes and toothpaste
- Hairbrushes and combs (with plastic or rubber handles)
- Shaving cream, aftershave lotion (non-aerosol), and razors (disposable only)
- Soap, shampoo, hair spray, mousse (all non-aerosol)
- Deodorant (non-aerosol)
- Baby powder or talcum powder; cold packs (without metal); cotton swabs; contact lens solution; eyedrops with no preservatives; feminine hygiene products without alcohol base or perfume; hair color without peroxide base.
- Chapstick; lip balm; moisturizer without alcohol base or perfume; body lotion without alcohol base or perfume.
Items to Leave at Home When Leaving for a Rehab Center
The items you bring with you to the rehab facility for your therapy sessions are important. They could be used to harm yourself or others, cause a fire, or get lost. The following items are understandably not allowed when you are about to be admitted to most centers as they may also interfere with your therapy. A Holistic rehab center may be very strict on these matters.
These include some of the following personal effects and items:
- Alcohol
- Drugs and drug paraphernalia
- Weapons of any kind, including pocketknives, scissors, and even nail clippers (these can be used as weapons)
- Food (except for special diets)
- Cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, or other tobacco products
- Cell phones (except for emergencies only)
Things that a Rehab Facility either Allows or Not
The following are some of the prohibited items you may not be allowed to bring to your sober living residence:
- Smoking. Although it is normal to feel stressed out, smoking will only make matters worse. You should not smoke during your treatment.
- Alcohol. Alcohol use can interfere with the effectiveness of certain medications and can make you more likely to experience side effects from those medications.
- Controlled substances. If you have a history of drug or alcohol abuse, talk with your doctor about whether it is safe for you to take any controlled substances while recovering from an injury or illness.
- Other drugs. Many medicines that people take — including over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements — interact with other medications or cause side effects when taken with other drugs.
Things like hearing aids, your wedding ring, or any particular item that has symbolic meaning from your family members, like your favorite pillow, alarm clock, mail letters, or flip flops, may be reconsidered by a rehab facility, for as long as it is safe. Sharp objects will be out of the question.
Are Over the Counter Medications Allowed in Rehabs?
In most cases, over-the-counter drugs will be allowed to bring to rehab. This usually includes aspirin, Tylenol, and other similar medications. However, medications that are potentially addictive or may contain alcohol will be confiscated during treatment. Staff members at the facility will keep your prescriptions up to date ensuring that there are no prescription medications that are needed to be refilled while undergoing treatment.
The only medications that will not be allowed once you enter a rehabilitation facility or are those with controlled substances such as morphine and oxycodone. If you come into treatment on any kind of medication that has a controlled substance listed as an ingredient an intervention may likely happen. This means your doctor will discontinue this medication once admitted into treatment so as not to interfere with your recovery process.
Will I Get Back Items Confiscated from Rehab?
Whether you're admitted for outpatient drug rehab or inpatient stay, you may get certain items or other items restricted by the rehab facility once you complete your treatment program.
Can Transcend Recovery Community Assist in Treatment Center Processing?
Transcend Recovery Community helps its clients seamlessly transition to their treatment centers and sober living quarters while allowing them to form a bond and recover with other patients or residents. We also provide a safe space allowing for people to heal better, specifically with our gender-specific residences, such as our men's and women's sober living.
Don't hesitate to contact us using our phone numbers or via email to find out what we can offer you to get you started with your sobriety and recovery journey.
