What to Bring to Rehab
What to Bring to Treatment
Essential items during your inpatient treatment
Comfortable clothes (one week’s worth)
Comfortable Clothing: Yoga pants, sweatpants, sweatshirts, tee-shirts, long-sleeve shirts, underwear, and pajamas.
When considering what to bring to rehab, comfort is key. You’ll want to pack relaxed, breathable clothing such as yoga pants, sweatshirts, and tees—items that allow you to move freely and feel at ease throughout the day. Be sure to include sleepwear and enough undergarments for your stay. Keep in mind that revealing clothingor items that display drug or alcohol references are not permitted, as they can be triggering to others. Additionally, fitness and wellness classes are available, so packing workout attire is recommended.
Comfortable shoes (one pair)
Footwear: Sneakers, flip flops, and slippers.
As you prepare your list of what to bring to rehab, make sure to include practical footwear for daily activities. Sneakers are ideal for outdoor walks, recreational therapy, or fitness classes, while flip flops can be helpful in the shower or casual wear. Comfortable slippers are great for relaxing during downtime or in your room.
Personal hygiene items
Personal Hygiene Items: Deodorant, toothbrush and toothpaste, shampoo and conditioner, brush, feminine hygiene products, shaving cream, lotion, makeup, and electric grooming supplies.
When planning what to bring to rehab, personal care essentials are a must. You’ll want to pack toiletries that help you maintain your regular hygiene routine, including dental care items, hair products, and skin care like lotion or makeup. Feminine hygiene products and grooming tools, such as electric razors or clippers, are also recommended for comfort and self-care. *Please note: All hygiene items must be new, unopened, and alcohol-free to ensure the safety of all clients.
Prescribed medication with original label on bottles
*Please note, we do not have a pharmacy on site but do have all necessary medications needed for a safe and comfortable detoxification. You must bring all current prescription medications for your stay with the original label on the bottles. While we will order necessary home medications, it takes a few days and may not be covered by your insurance if you have an active prescription that is not brought in. Please do not bring any over-the-counter medications, vitamains, or supplements as these cannot be verified by facility staff. You will be provided any necessary over-the-counter medications or supplements ordered by your medical provider. Any expired medications, medications that are not in their original container, or unidentifiable substances cannot be used and will be destroyed per policy.
Photo ID, insurance card, and pharmacy card/coverage
Insurance and Pharmacy Information:
As you determine what to bring to rehab, don’t forget to include your medical and pharmacy insurance information. Some insurance cards include pharmacy benefits directly on the card—you’ll recognize this by the presence of RX ID, BIN, and PCN numbers. If your card doesn’t show this information, it may mean you have separate pharmacy coverage. In cases where you don’t have a physical pharmacy card—some carriers offer only digital versions—you can call your current pharmacy and request your RX ID, BIN, and PCN details, as they typically have them on file. Bringing this information ensures there are no delays in accessing prescribed medications during your treatment.
- RX ID #
- PCN #
- BIN #
- RX Group #
Cigarettes or other nicotine products for your entire stay
Many ask if smoking cigarettes is allowed inside inpatient rehab facilities. At RCA we allow all nicotine products including cigarettes, vapes, chewing tobacco, etc. However, all products must come closed and sealed. Please bring enough nicotine products to last your entire stay, as you will not have the opportunity to purchase additional supplies once you arrive in treatment. Patients may have them dropped off or mailed by loved ones in the event they run out.
*Please note: As of October 1, 2019, in the state of Maryland, it is illegal to sell or distribute cigarettes to anyone under the age of 21. Please bring enough nicotine products to last your entire stay, as you will not have the opportunity to purchase additional supplies once you arrive in treatment.
List of names, addresses and phone numbers for people you may need
Important Contacts: Family, friends, and legal representatives.
As you consider what to bring to rehab, don’t forget to prepare a list of important contact information. Staying connected to supportive family members, friends, or loved ones can play a vital role in your recovery journey. If you’re currently managing any legal matters, be sure to bring your attorney’s or probation officer’s contact details. This allows our team to assist you with ongoing responsibilities, helping you focus fully on healing without added stress about outside obligations.
Pictures of loved ones
Personal Touches: Photos of friends, family, and loved ones.
When deciding what to bring to rehab, consider packing a few personal items that provide emotional comfort, like photos of your loved ones. Having pictures of family and close friends in your room can offer a strong sense of connection and motivation during your recovery. These visual reminders of your support system can help keep you grounded and inspired as you move through treatment.
Books, e-book readers without WIFI and other reading material
Books and Reading Materials:
When thinking about what to bring to rehab, feel free to pack books or reading materials that support relaxation, mindfulness, or personal growth. However, any content that glorifies drug or alcohol use, sex, or pornography is strictly prohibited and will not be allowed on-site. If you prefer digital reading, you may bring an e-book reader, as long as it does not have Wi-Fi capability, to ensure a distraction-free and secure treatment environment. Approved reading can be a valuable tool during quiet time and personal reflection.
MP3 player without WIFI capability
Music Devices: MP3 players (non-Wi-Fi enabled).
As you plan what to bring to rehab, consider including music as a source of comfort and emotional support. Music can be a powerful tool in recovery, helping to reduce stress, uplift your mood, and provide a sense of familiarity. You are welcome to bring an MP3 player, but please make sure it does not have Wi-Fi capability, as internet-enabled devices are not allowed in inpatient treatment settings. A simple music player loaded with your favorite songs can enhance your downtime and support your healing process.
Valuables
RCA strongly discourages bringing valuables into treatment. For everyone’s safety and comfort, we ask that you leave all valuables at home or arrange for them to be sent home at the time of admission. You are responsible for any personal belongings brought onto the units or kept in your room. If you choose to bring valuables onto the unit, RCA is not responsible for any losses or damages. Please also ensure you have participated in reconciliation of your secured belongings prior to discharge, RCA is not responsible for any articles left on site after discharge. Clothing and/or valuables not claimed within 30 days of discharge will be donated.
Supplies provided in rehab
While in inpatient rehab at a Recovery Centers of America facility, you will be provided with the following items:
- Towels
- Bed linens
- Blankets
- Pillows
- Back-up toiletries
- Stamps and envelopes
- Composition book and pens
- 1 AA Book (NA book available upon request)
- 1 12-Step Workbook
- Board games
- Flat screen televisions and alarm clock in each room
- Laundry services (at no additional cost)
- Razors