What Are Patients Prohibited from Bringing to Rehab?

Most rehab centers have their own list of dos and don’ts when it comes to what patients can bring to the facility. However, there are some items that are almost always prohibited from a rehab center. Call 800-256-3490 now to find a treatment facility where you can begin your safe recovery from substance abuse.

Rehab’s Most Prohibited Items

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, “Long-term residential treatment provides care 24 hours a day generally in non-hospital settings.”

Most patients who are concerned with packing for rehab are attending this type of treatment. However, outpatient centers, inpatient centers, and any other type of rehab program are going to have rules about what patients can and cannot bring.

Below is a list of the items that are almost always prohibited from rehab centers, and if you are getting ready to attend any type of professional addiction treatment program, it is important to never bring them to the facility itself.

Inappropriate and revealing clothes aren’t allowed at rehab.

• Alcohol or illegal drugs of any kind
• Tobacco or tobacco paraphernalia
• Food or drinks of any kind
• Electronics (video games, DVD players, etc.)
• Pornography
• Weapons or anything that could be used as a weapon
• Unnecessary amounts of makeup or jewelry
• Unnecessary amounts of cash
  • Patients are usually asked to bring their checkbooks and credit cards in order to pay for their medications as well as a small amount of cash for vending machines and the like.
• Inappropriate clothing
  • Patients are normally asked to bring and wear comfortable clothing, but absolutely nothing with inappropriate or offensive words, slogans, or pictures should be brought. Clothes that are excessively revealing should also not be worn or brought.

Most electronics are usually prohibited from rehab centers. Some facilities will ask that patients do not bring pillows, blankets, and other bedding materials, but others may allow patients to bring a favorite pillow, blanket, etc. if it will help them feel more relaxed and comfortable.

Some rehab centers can be stricter about the reading material they allow (spiritual or self-help material only) while others do not mind what patients bring as long as it is not pornography.

Case-by-Case: Cell Phones/Laptops

While most rehab centers have the same list of prohibited items, whether or not a person can bring a cell phone or a laptop to their rehab facility can depend more on the specific program. Some facilities do not allow cell phones or any other type of electronic device as their philosophy is that these items produce unnecessary stress at a time when patients are at their most vulnerable.

Since stress can lead to relapse, many facilities attempt to minimize this issue as much as possible (NIDA Archives).

Other programs want to allow patients to keep in touch with their families and to be able to work while attending treatment. Many of these facilities allow patients to have specific times during the day where they can use these devices and are careful to ensure that the schedule remains strict. If you are wondering whether or not a specific program will or will not allow you to bring a cell phone or laptop, it is better to ask.

What If I Don’t Like My Rehab Center?

Case-by-Case: Medications

Patients are either allowed or not allowed to bring medications to their rehab centers usually on a case-by-case basis. Many rehab programs check with the individual’s doctor before making any allowances and assuring that the individual needs certain pharmaceuticals.

According to the National Library of Medicine, supplements, herbs, minerals, and vitamins also must be approved by the program before a patient brings them to treatment. Once a medication or supplement is approved, patients are usually urged to bring this product in a brand new box or bottle that is still sealed. Still, some facilities do not allow medications or supplements at all, so it is important to check.

Finding the Rehab Program for You

Some items you will absolutely not be allowed to bring to rehab while others are more flexible. If you are concerned about a particular item, it will never hurt to ask someone from the rehab center if you are allowed to bring it before you are admitted for treatment.

Let us help you find the right facility for your needs. We want to make sure you receive the type of quality, individualized care you deserve and will require for a safe recovery from substance abuse. Call 800-256-3490 today.