When making the decision to start rehab, it is important to be as prepared as possible. Part of this involves knowing what to bring and what not to bring. Perhaps this may seem overwhelming; that’s why we’ve taken the liberty of drafting up a guide for those attending rehab who don’t know what to bring. At NIR, we offer several addiction treatment programs in Illinois that can help you or your loved one recover from substance abuse. This guide can help you feel more comfortable when it comes to admission into rehabilitation.
- Identification and documents – Bring your driver’s license, social security card, insurance information, and any other necessary documentation.
- Medication – Bring any medication that you are currently taking and make sure to keep it in its original packaging. Be sure to let the treatment center know whatever medications you are already taking for your mental health. This is imperative so that it does not interfere with the medically assisted detox process.
- Clothing – Pack comfortable clothing items such as sweatpants, t-shirts, and flip flops for the shower. You should also include a few items that you would normally wear out of the facility, such as jeans and a nice shirt.
- Toiletries – Make sure to pack all the necessary toiletry items like shampoo, conditioner, body wash, toothpaste, lotion, and contact solution if needed.
What Should Not be Brought to Rehab?
It is important to note that while written materials can be helpful for recovery, materials related to drug use or addiction should not be brought. This includes books, periodicals, magazines and any other publications that might contain references to substance abuse or addiction. It is important to bring materials that can help support the recovery process such as books on positive thinking, mindfulness and relaxation techniques. These types of materials can provide a source of comfort and distraction during difficult times in treatment.
What is Proper Clothing for Rehab?
For holistic therapy sessions, clothing should provide plenty of mobility and flexibility for movements and tasks completed during the session. Jeans, khakis, and lightweight shorts or skirts can be worn for some activities. However, if the session involves a lot of movement and stretching, looser-fitting clothes such as yoga pants and sweatpants are recommended. It is also important to wear socks to protect the feet from dirt and germs.
Regardless of the activity level, it is important to consider comfort when selecting clothing for holistic, adventure, or exercise therapy sessions. When possible, select fabrics that are lightweight and breathable to keep the body temperature comfortable. Sweat-wicking material is also recommended for more active exercises. Also, bright colors can be beneficial in occupational therapy sessions because they add motivation and interest to the activities. For clients who have difficulty with focus or concentration, bright colors can be especially helpful. Additionally, colorful clothing can bring a sense of fun and make the session more enjoyable for everyone involved.
Ultimately, the most important factor when selecting clothing for occupational therapy sessions is comfort. Make sure to choose materials that are lightweight and breathable so that you or your client can move freely during activities.
What Items Can I Bring to Rehab for Personal Hygiene?
- Soap/Body Wash – A mild soap is recommended for daily showers.
- Shampoo/Conditioner – Use a gentle shampoo and conditioner to keep your hair clean and healthy.
- Deodorant – Bringing an antiperspirant deodorant is important to maintain freshness throughout the day.
- Toothbrush/Toothpaste – A toothbrush with soft bristles and fluoride toothpaste is necessary to keep your teeth healthy.
- Floss – Flossing regularly helps remove plaque and food particles between your teeth.
- Comb/Brush – Keeping a comb or brush handy will help maintain your hair’s natural shine and helps prevent breakage.
Personal Hygiene Items That are Not Permitted
Certain hygiene items may also be restricted if they present a risk of contamination to other patients, such as nail clippers or toothbrushes. Some facilities may even prohibit the use of certain types of clothing that could be dangerous, such as steel-toed boots or excessively loose clothing.
Additionally, any items that are considered to be a potential weapon, such as knives or scissors, are generally prohibited. Potential patients should give Northern Illinois Recovery Center a call for more information about specific restricted items.
