Learning what to pack and what not to pack will make the transition more comfortable when you begin your journey into substance abuse treatment. In substance abuse treatment, it is vital to be as comfortable as possible throughout the process to minimize anxious thoughts and feelings. Being prepared for residential treatment is a great way to ensure your comfort. What should you bring with you when you enter substance abuse treatment? What should you eave at home?
The Single Packing Case
Most treatment centers will recommend bringing a single suitcase. They recommend a single bag because of the policies and regulations surrounding substance abuse treatment. Furthermore, by only packing a single suitcase, you will bring what is needed, but you won’t have room for unnecessary and potentially prohibited items.
What to Bring to Treatment
With the wide variety of items you can bring to substance abuse treatment, a general rule is to only bring what you need to make your stay comfortable. At The Guest House, we want you to be pleased with your treatment, therefore, do not overthink the items on the arrival checklist. Consider bringing the items listed below:
- Bring a list of addresses, names, and phone numbers of your family members, healthcare providers, sponsors, and any other emergency contacts.
- Bring a list of all the prescription medicines you take. Include the dosage, time when the medication is taken, and contact information for the prescribing healthcare provider.
- Bring along forms of identification, like a driver’s license or passport, as well as insurance cards.
- The clothing you choose to bring should be comfortable and relaxing. The average person will bring clothing for seven to ten days and do laundry as necessary. You can also bring workout clothes, tennis shoes, socks, undergarments, and pajamas, and some facilities will suggest bringing a bathing suit.
- Your personal care items should include deodorant, toothpaste, hairbrushes, feminine products, lotion, and sunscreen. Bring enough to last 30 days or so.
- Bring one jacket or sweater and consider bringing a hat and sunglasses. If so, only bring one of each.
- A journal or stationery are excellent items to bring with you because writing in a journal will give you a great outlet for your emotions. If you bring stationery, you can write to friends and family while you are in treatment.
- Reading material, including books or magazines, are good options to bring with you to keep your brain actively engaged. Most novels or recovery-related books are acceptable.
What Not to Bring
There are many things you should avoid bringing to substance use treatment. A few examples can include cameras, unsealed or unmarked bottles, weapons, food and beverages, laptops, cell phones, or illegal substances. Your chosen treatment center will usually give you a packing checklist of prohibited and acceptable items that you can bring for your arrival.
If you want a breakdown of items to bring to a substance abuse treatment center, the best way to address this is to talk to The Guest House. We will give you complete insights into suitable items you can bring before you arrive at our treatment facility. For more information on what to bring to substance abuse treatment or if you have other questions on substance abuse treatment and our approach, reach out to The Guest House at (855) 483-7800.