Packing for inpatient rehab? Perhaps you’re supporting a loved one to get ready for their admission. Either way, you’ll likely want to take a few home comforts to make the transition feel easier.
Here, we reveal what you are allowed to take into rehab as an inpatient and those belongings that need to be left at the door.
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If you’re looking at or en route to a drug and alcohol rehab, we have created a guide on what and what not to take to rehab with you. For more information call us on 0151 268 6992.
GET IN TOUCH TODAYWhat Things Can I Bring to Rehab?
Rehab aims to provide a safe and supportive environment for you to recover from addiction while mitigating physical dependency and understanding emotional triggers. As an inpatient, you could be at one of our recommended drug and alcohol rehab clinics for up to 28 days, and we want you to feel at home. This is why we encourage you to bring your belongings. We also have a duty of care to you, other patients and our team, which is why some items are prohibited.
Before you arrive, we’ll send you a checklist to know exactly what’s allowed and what isn’t. The necessities, medication and items like jewellery are allowed. Drugs and alcohol are not allowed, and pets are prohibited too. Upon arrival, a full search of your bags will be conducted to ensure that you don’t have anything that you shouldn’t.
Items to Bring to Rehab
The items you take to alcohol and drug rehab are completely up to you, but the list below is designed to help you to feel comfortable at rehab. Of course, if you do forget anything or need a replacement, our team can help. If you have any questions about whether or not something is permitted, we encourage you to get in touch.
- Contact details for your loved ones and any other important people such as childcare or educational establishments
- Jewellery such as wedding rings and a watch – but we advise other valuables to be left at home
- Your current prescription medicine – in its original packaging and with a prescription
- Items to enhance your room such as photos, an alarm clock and any pillows and blankets that you just can’t sleep without
- A notebook or journal to write down your thoughts and help with recovery
- Comfortable clothing such as tracksuits, trainers, t-shirts, slippers and pyjamas
- Personal hygiene and beauty products (typically, these must be alcohol-free)
In most inpatient facilities across the UK, laundry services are available, so don’t feel you have to overpack. Typically, one week’s worth of items will be more than enough.
Items Not to Take to Rehab
Rehab centres have a duty of care to their residents, which is why some items will not be allowed to enter the clinic. This is to ensure the safety of everyone there and to create a safe and supportive environment that facilitates your recovery.
The following items are banned from our rehab clinics:
- Drugs and alcohol, as well as prohibited prescriptions
- Weapons and sharp objects
- Food and drink
- Pornographic material
- Beauty products and toiletries that contain alcohol – this includes nail polish and nail polish remover
- Video games and DVDs
- Revealing clothing or items with profanity on them
- Electronic cigarettes
- Cleaning products
- Candles and incense sticks
- Expensive items such as electronics, designer clothing and bags
- Cash or credit cards
- Unapproved medication
- Excessive makeup
- Aerosols
You might be surprised to learn about some of the items on the prohibited list, but remember that each rehab centre will have a selection of games and reading materials to help you recover. Food and drink are monitored as we offer nutritional advice sessions to help you discover new and healthy coping strategies for your recovery.
If you arrive at rehab with any of these items, they will either be disposed of or sent back with the person who dropped you off at rehab. That’s why we encourage everyone to get in touch with us before they arrive if you have any questions about what’s allowed and what isn’t.
Can I Bring My Phone to Rehab?
Traditionally, many rehab centres didn’t allow mobile phones to be brought into rehab. This was so individuals could focus on their recovery and not be exposed to distractions and influences in the outside world. However, after much research, it depends on the rehab facility you attend, as there are pros and cons.
If a facility does permit mobile phones, there will be rules associated with them. Phones cannot be used to order drugs or alcohol or to access certain content. Photos and videos must not be taken inside the rehab facility either. You risk being removed from the addiction recovery rehab centre if you abuse any device.
If you require a laptop or tablet while at rehab, we’re also more than happy to discuss whether or not you can bring these too. But, just like our mobile phone protocols, there will restrictions on usage.
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Whether you want to see how we could help you to get your life back on track or you have a question about what to bring to rehab, our friendly team is always available. What’s more, we know that going to rehab can be daunting, so we strive to take all the stress away and make your recovery journey as easy as possible. Call us on 0151 268 6992.
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