What Should I Bring to My Free Rehab Center?
It is important to know what is necessary and what is not acceptable to bring to your rehab program. If you want to learn more about addiction treatment or find a rehab center that will take your income and budget into account, call 800-934-7205 (Who Answers?) today.
Understanding the Rules of Treatment
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, “Remaining in treatment for an adequate period of time is critical,” so especially if you are choosing to attend an inpatient rehab program, you should make sure to bring the things you will absolutely need during the time you are there. However, this does not mean you should bring whatever you want, as there are specific rules associated with rehab centers.
In a rehab facility, individuals are trying to heal from addiction, and it is important not to bring anything that could derail that healing. For example, one should not bring cards or games of chance, as someone healing from a drug addiction should not be tempted to gamble, which can also become an addiction (National Library of Medicine). However, you should also bring the things that you will need over a long period of time and that will help make you feel comfortable in your rehab center.
What to Bring to Your Free Rehab Center
Make sure to pack comfortable clothes and pictures of your loved ones.
Because you have chosen a free treatment program, it is important to bring documents that show your current income or information about your financial problems. The treatment center may need these records in order to prove that you are in need of free care, and as such, that you qualify to receive this treatment. It is also important to bring proof of your insurance, if you have it, and identification.
In addition, those staying at an inpatient center should also bring:
- 7 different comfortable outfits that are neither revealing or sport anything offensive
- A pair of sneakers
- A pair of sandals (for the shower)
- Toiletries
- An alarm clock
- Paper, envelopes, and stamps to write letters
- A journal
- A long-distance calling card in order to call your family
- Books
- Pictures of your family and loved ones
It is important to make yourself feel comfortable at the facility, so bringing pictures and other items to remind you of home is often acceptable. Bringing a journal can give you the ability to chronicle your thoughts and feelings while you start your recovery, and while some rehab programs prefer that you bring only self-help books, others do not mind what type of reading material you bring as long as it is not pornographic or offensive. If you are confused about any specific item and whether or not it is allowed, call the facility and ask.
What Not to Bring to Your Free Rehab Center
Your caregivers will tell you if it will be necessary for you to bring money to the facility. Some free rehab programs provide completely free care while others only offer partial-free treatment. In general, though, you may still want to bring some money unless it is prohibited.
Definite items that are not allowed at a rehab center include:
- Drugs and alcohol of any kind
- Tobacco products
- Fans
- Mouthwash with alcohol in it
- Food and drinks
- Herbal supplements and vitamins
- Weapons
- Pornography
- Unnecessary amounts of makeup or jewelry
What About…
Different rehab programs have different rules about specific items such as laptops, tablets, and cell phones. Some programs do not want patients to bring these items at all, while others may allow them to be used during certain times of the day. In addition, if you have a medication you have been taking, it is very important to discuss it with your doctor before being admitted to treatment and to make sure you are allowed to bring it with you.
As stated previously, it is often safer to ask about any items you are unsure about before you are admitted to the program. It is very important that you are able to be comfortable while in the factility, but certain items are banned for a reason, either because they are likely to distract you from your recovery or damage someone else’s. It is important to make sure that nothing you bring with you to rehab could be problematic.
Seek Free Rehab Today
Let us help you find the best rehab program for your safe recovery and your budget. Call 800-934-7205 (Who Answers?) today, and we will match you with the most effective option for your needs.