Most inpatient programs ask you to pack for at least 30 days, and many run 60 or 90 — because research summarized by the National Institute on Drug Abuse finds that treatment lasting 90 days or longer produces the most durable results. That single fact reframes packing: you are not packing for a hotel weekend, you are packing for a month or more of focused, structured living with limited shopping access. Pack too little and you spend your first week distracted by missing essentials; pack the wrong things and they get confiscated at the door.
This guide is a complete, facility-aware packing list: exactly what to bring to rehab, what to leave home and why, how the list shifts by program type, the medication rules that trip people up, and a pre-admission checklist for the days before you go. Updated May 2026. Reviewed by the RehabPulse editorial team. This is educational and not medical advice — always confirm the specific rules with your facility, because policies vary.
The 60-second answer
| Question | Short answer |
|---|---|
| How long should I pack for? | 7 days of clothes you can re-wash; toiletries for 30 days |
| Clothing rule of thumb? | Comfortable, modest, layered, machine-washable |
| Toiletries rule? | New, sealed, and alcohol-free (check the label) |
| Bring my meds? | Yes — in the original labeled bottle, plus a written list |
| Phone and laptop? | Usually restricted or held at intake — confirm first |
| Cash and cards? | Minimal; bring insurance card and photo ID |
| What's almost always banned? | Alcohol-containing products, weapons, valuables, outside food/drinks |
| Single most useful move? | Call the facility and ask for their written packing list |
The single most important point: most people don't know that the fastest way to pack correctly is a five-minute phone call to the facility before you go. Every accredited program keeps a written, current packing list and a banned-items list, and those lists override any generic guide online — including this one. A men's residential program, a women's program, a hospital-based detox, and a subacute medical rehab can have meaningfully different rules about aerosols, electronics, food, and even underwire bras. Confirm, then pack.
Picture this: someone arrives for a 60-day stay with a single weekend bag, no insurance card, and a bottle of mouthwash that gets confiscated at the door because it contains alcohol. They spend day one anxious and under-supplied instead of settling in. A ten-minute checklist the night before would have prevented all of it.
What to bring to rehab: the complete checklist
Below is the master list, grouped the way intake staff actually think about it. Bring about a week's worth of clothing — nearly all residential programs offer laundry — and roughly a 30-day supply of toiletries.
Clothing (about 7 days' worth)
| Item | Suggested quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| T-shirts / tops | 7 | Modest, no offensive prints or drug/alcohol references |
| Pants, jeans, leggings | 4–5 | Comfortable for sitting in group for hours |
| Sweatshirt / hoodie / sweater | 2 | Group rooms are often cold |
| Underwear and socks | 7+ | Pack extra; easiest thing to run short on |
| Pajamas / sleepwear | 2 sets | Modest enough for shared or semi-shared rooms |
| Comfortable closed-toe shoes | 1–2 pairs | Sneakers plus slip-ons or sandals |
| Light jacket or rain layer | 1 | Outdoor time and transport between buildings |
| Modest swimsuit | 1 | If the facility has a pool (one-piece / trunks) |
| Workout clothes | 1–2 sets | Many programs include fitness or yoga |
| Robe and slippers | 1 each | Comfort for shared bathrooms |
Choose breathable, machine-washable fabrics and avoid anything that needs dry-cleaning, ironing, or hand-washing. Skip clothing with logos referencing drugs, alcohol, violence, or anything revealing — most programs have a dress code, and items that violate it are held until discharge.
Toiletries and personal care (about 30 days)
| Item | Bring | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Shampoo, conditioner, body wash | Yes | Many programs require new/sealed bottles |
| Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss | Yes | — |
| Deodorant | Yes | Avoid aerosol if the facility bans propellants |
| Hairbrush / comb, hair ties | Yes | — |
| Skincare, lotion, lip balm | Yes | Must be alcohol-free at many facilities |
| Mouthwash | Only alcohol-free | Standard mouthwash is commonly confiscated |
| Razors | Often allowed | Some programs restrict or supervise; ask |
| Feminine hygiene products | Yes | Bring a full supply |
| Makeup (modest) | Usually | Often must be alcohol-free |
| Glasses / contacts + solution | Yes | Bring backups; eye exams aren't on-site |
The recurring theme is alcohol content. Toners, hand sanitizer, many mouthwashes, some perfumes, body sprays, and even certain lotions contain alcohol and are routinely confiscated, because they can be misused and they complicate a substance-free environment. When in doubt, read the ingredient label or buy the "alcohol-free" version.
Documents and money
- Photo ID (driver's license, state ID, or passport).
- Insurance card — and, if you have it, a printed copy of your benefits. If you are still sorting out coverage, our guide on how much rehab costs and how to read your benefits will help.
- A short list of emergency contacts — names and numbers for family, your sponsor if you have one, and your primary care doctor, written on paper (you may not have phone access).
- A small amount of cash for vending machines, store runs, or co-pays — ask the facility how much is allowed; large sums are discouraged.
- A debit/credit card only if the program permits it; many hold cards at intake.
- Any legal paperwork you were told to bring — common for court-ordered programs, where proof of enrollment matters.
Medications
- Bring all current prescriptions in their original, labeled pharmacy bottles — loose pills in a daily organizer are usually rejected at intake.
- Bring a written list of every medication with dose and timing, plus your prescriber's name and number.
- Liquid medications should be new and sealed where possible.
- Bring over-the-counter items only if the program allows them — many supply their own and ban outside OTC meds.
- Vitamins and supplements often need to be new and sealed, and some are restricted; confirm first.
We cover the medication rules in detail in the next section, because this is where most packing mistakes happen.
Comfort and downtime items
- A journal and a couple of pens — journaling is part of many programs.
- Photos of supportive people (printed, not on a phone).
- A few books or magazines — recovery-related or simply calming.
- A calling card or list of phone numbers if the facility uses landlines.
- A small comfort item — a favorite hoodie, a soft blanket if permitted.
- Stamps and envelopes if you want to write letters home.
- A watch (non-smart), since your phone may be held.
What NOT to bring to rehab (and why)
Knowing what gets confiscated saves you the stress of having items taken at the door. The reasons fall into three buckets: substances/relapse risk, safety, and distraction from treatment.
| Don't bring | Why it's banned |
|---|---|
| Alcohol-containing products (mouthwash, hand sanitizer, some perfumes, certain lotions) | Misuse risk; undermines a substance-free setting |
| Drugs, alcohol, or paraphernalia | Obvious — and grounds for discharge |
| Weapons of any kind, including pocket knives | Safety in a shared residential environment |
| Aerosols and items with propellants (at many facilities) | Inhalant-misuse risk and fire safety |
| Outside food, drinks, gum, or candy | Allergy, contraband, and dietary-program reasons |
| Expensive jewelry, watches, or large cash | Theft risk and unnecessary distraction |
| Revealing or offensive clothing | Dress-code violations; group comfort |
| Unapproved electronics (smartphones, laptops, gaming devices) | Distraction; protects others' privacy |
| Pornography or explicit material | Inappropriate in a shared therapeutic setting |
| Candles, incense, or anything with an open flame | Fire safety |
| Nail polish and remover (at many facilities) | Alcohol/acetone content and fumes |
| Energy drinks and excessive caffeine | Interferes with sleep and stabilization |
The electronics rule surprises people most. Many programs limit or hold phones and laptops, at least during an initial blackout period, because constant connectivity pulls focus away from treatment and can compromise other clients' confidentiality. Some allow supervised phone time later in the stay. This is one more reason to confirm policy before you arrive — and to tell work and family in advance how to reach you.
How packing changes by facility type
"Rehab" is not one thing, and the packing list shifts with the setting. The query "what to bring to rehab" covers everything from a 5-day medical detox to a 90-day residential program to a subacute medical rehabilitation unit. Here's how the essentials differ.
| Facility type | Typical length | Packing emphasis |
|---|---|---|
| Medical detox | 3–10 days | Minimal: a few comfortable outfits, toiletries, meds, ID/insurance |
| Residential / inpatient addiction | 30–90 days | Full list above — pack for the long haul, laundry available |
| Partial hospitalization (PHP) | Weeks, day program | You sleep at home — pack a day bag, not a suitcase |
| Intensive outpatient (IOP) | Weeks–months | No overnight items; just documents and a notebook |
| Subacute / medical rehab (post-surgery, stroke) | 1–4 weeks | Loose clothing for therapy, supportive non-slip shoes, mobility aids |
If you are still deciding between settings, our explainers on detox versus rehab and outpatient versus inpatient rehab walk through which level of care fits which situation. For a sense of the daily rhythm you're packing for, see what happens in rehab and how to plan for your first 30 days sober.
A subacute medical rehab stay (the kind that follows a hospital admission for a stroke, joint replacement, or serious illness) has its own emphasis: pack loose, easy-on clothing, rubber-soled non-slip shoes for therapy, any braces or assistive devices, your glasses and hearing aids with extra batteries, and a list of your home medications. Therapy sessions are physical, so comfort and safe footwear matter more than variety.
Medications: the rules that trip people up
Medication is the number-one source of packing problems, so it deserves its own section.
Bring the original, labeled bottle
Almost every program requires prescriptions in the original pharmacy container with the label intact — not in a weekly pill organizer and not in a plain bag. The label proves what the medication is, who prescribed it, and the correct dose. Staff log your medications at intake and dispense them on schedule.
Controlled substances need extra care
If you take a controlled medication (for example for ADHD, anxiety, or pain), keep it in the original labeled bottle and bring your prescriber's contact information. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration's rules on controlled substances are strict, and facilities handle these medications under lock and documentation. Expect them to be stored and dispensed by staff, never kept in your room.
If you're flying to treatment
Traveling to an out-of-state program is common. The Transportation Security Administration allows you to fly with necessary medications, including pills and medically necessary liquids above the usual limit, when they're declared at screening. Keep medications in your carry-on, not checked luggage, so a lost bag never separates you from a needed dose. Bring them in labeled containers and carry your medication list.
Medication-assisted treatment
If you are on or starting medication for opioid or alcohol use disorder — methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone — coordinate with the facility before arrival so there's no gap in dosing. Never stop a prescribed medication on your own to "arrive clean"; tell the intake team exactly what you take, and they will manage it as part of your treatment plan.
Special situations
Court-ordered treatment
If a court mandated your treatment, bring any paperwork proving enrollment and your reporting requirements. Programs often have to verify attendance to the court or your attorney. Our guide to court-ordered rehab explains how compliance is documented.
Parents arranging childcare
If you have children, the logistics of being away for 30–90 days matter as much as the suitcase. Arrange childcare, school contacts, and guardianship paperwork before you go, and bring printed photos and contact numbers so you can stay connected during permitted call times.
Working professionals
If you're balancing a career with treatment, you may be using protected leave. Bring any HR or leave paperwork you need signed, and confirm the facility's policy on limited, supervised laptop access for essential matters — some programs for professionals accommodate this, many do not.
Women's programs
Women's and gender-specific programs sometimes have particular rules (for example about underwire, certain undergarments, or hair tools). Bring a full supply of feminine hygiene products and confirm specifics. See rehab for women for what to expect.
How to prepare in the days before you go
Packing is the last step. Use the days before admission to set up the rest of your life so you can focus entirely on treatment.
- Call the facility and request their written packing and banned-items lists. This overrides any generic guide.
- Confirm what to bring for admission — ID, insurance card, medication bottles, and any legal or leave paperwork.
- Arrange your responsibilities — childcare, pet care, bills on autopay, work leave, and an out-of-office message.
- Tell key people how to reach you and how you'll reach them, given limited phone access.
- Fill prescriptions so you arrive with a current, labeled supply.
- Pack the night before using the checklist above, then remove anything on the banned list.
- Set your expectations for the structure, rules, and pace of the days ahead so nothing feels like a surprise on arrival.
If you're helping a loved one prepare and they're ambivalent about going, our guides on how to get someone into rehab and staging an intervention address that earlier step.
Questions to ask the facility before you pack
A quick call answers almost everything. Ask:
- Do you have a written packing list and banned-items list you can send me?
- Is laundry available, and how often?
- What's the electronics policy — phones, laptops, e-readers, music players?
- Are toiletries required to be new and sealed, and must they be alcohol-free?
- How much cash may I bring, and do you hold cards?
- What medications may I bring, and how should they be packaged?
- Is there a dress code I should know about?
- Can I bring outside food, drinks, or supplements?
- What should I bring specifically for admission day?
Write the answers down. The five minutes you spend on this call is the single highest-value thing you can do before you pack.
Frequently asked questions
How much clothing should I actually bring? About a week's worth. Nearly all residential programs offer laundry, so seven outfits you can re-wash beat a giant suitcase. Pack extra underwear and socks — those are the items people run short on.
Can I bring my phone to rehab? Often not, at least at first. Many programs hold phones at intake or limit use to supervised periods, to protect everyone's focus and privacy. Always confirm the specific policy and tell people how to reach you in an emergency before you arrive.
Why do they take away mouthwash and hand sanitizer? Because they usually contain alcohol, which can be misused and undermines a substance-free environment. Bring alcohol-free versions or buy them from the facility store if available.
Can I bring my own medications? Yes, but in the original labeled pharmacy bottles, with a written list of doses, and they'll be logged and dispensed by staff. Controlled medications are stored securely. Never bring loose pills in an organizer.
What if I'm flying to treatment? Keep all medications in your carry-on in labeled containers, and declare medically necessary liquids at security. The TSA permits necessary medications, including liquids above the standard limit, when declared.
What should I leave at home? Valuables, large cash, weapons, anything with alcohol or propellants, outside food, revealing or offensive clothing, and unapproved electronics. When unsure about an item, leave it home and ask.
Do I really need to call ahead? Yes. Policies vary widely by facility and program type, and the facility's own list is the only one that counts at the door. If you or a loved one need help finding a program, SAMHSA's free, confidential National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) operates 24/7.
Sources
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment: A Research-Based Guide (90-day retention threshold). nida.nih.gov
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). National Helpline — 1-800-662-HELP (4357), free and confidential 24/7. samhsa.gov
- SAMHSA. FindTreatment.gov treatment locator. findtreatment.gov
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). Treatment and Recovery. nida.nih.gov
- Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Traveling with medication / special procedures. tsa.gov
- U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Controlled Substances — handling and labeling. dea.gov
