Recovery from substance abuse requires time - not only to go through detoxification, but also to learn new habits and understand the reasons that led to substance abuse in the first place. Research proves that long-term programs are much more effective than short “30 day” treatments.
With time in the treatment center and away from home, it can be difficult to feel comfortable and focus on your recovery. Thankfully, most treatment centers allow patients to bring personal items for their stay. The key is packing the right things for you or your loved one while following your treatment center's policies for personal items.
Focus on the Essentials
While a treatment center will let you bring in personal items, it’s not possible to pack up your entire home and bring it with you. Patients may only have a certain amount of space available too, and unnecessary items clutter your room with things you won't even use. The treatment center will likely supply most of the essentials for your stay, so you'll want to focus on what’s most important for you or your loved one to bring.
Clothes
When picking out clothes, patients will want comfortable outfits that are appropriate for the season. Clothes shouldn't have any graphics or designs that depict drugs, alcohol, or inappropriate language. Packing to dress in layers can help you adjust to any temperature changes that you might incur based on where you will be receiving treatment. When coming to Windmill Wellness Ranch, be aware that our program involves exercise, so bring suitable workout clothes. Patients will be able to wash clothes at the treatment center, so you should only need about a week’s worth at a time.
Personal Hygiene Items
Pack any necessary personal hygiene items, such as shampoo and conditioner, body wash/soap, deodorant, toothpaste, and toothbrush. Most centers don't allow aerosol and alcohol-based products, so check your product labels and buy replacements if necessary. Rules also vary on allowing razors for shaving.
Medications
If a patient uses medications for health conditions, you’ll want to pack them for your time in treatment. However, we at Windmill Wellness Ranch have restrictions on which medications you can bring, and most will inspect your medicine before approving it. If you bring over-the-counter medicines, they should be new and still sealed. To make things easy, we recommend you pack a list of all types of medications you plan to bring and the times you usually take them.
Reading Materials
While most time in treatment will involve attending therapy and other group activities, patients will still have time to themselves. Windmill Wellness Ranch allows for some restricted time on technological devices, so books, magazines, and other reading materials are better tools for passing the time. Depending on the rules of your treatment center, books may even be restricted to certain topics.
Journals and Writing Materials
Not everyone journals, but it can be a helpful way to keep track of your recovery process. If you like, Windmill Wellness Ranch allows patients to correspond with their loved ones through letters, so you may want to pack stationary.
Identification
As you prepare to check in to your treatment center, you’ll need to bring your ID card with you. It’s also important to bring your insurance card and other relevant pieces of medical information.
Spending Money
Many treatment centers have vending machines or allow patients to go shopping once a week, so consider providing a small amount of spending money. At Windmill Wellness Ranch, families can drop off care packages or even send items through Amazon. We suggest providing no more than $20.00 per week, until you have spoken with one of the counselors.
Family Photos
Photos of your loved ones can serve as a strong reminder of what you’re going through treatment for. Since most treatment centers prohibit the use of technology, physical photos make up for this limitation.
Pet Supplies
As a dog-friendly treatment facility, Windmill Wellness Ranch also allows patients to bring the pet with them to treatment. This is highly encouraged, as pets provide strong support for patients. With this being said, we do require that patients bring the necessities to care for their dogs throughout treatment, as the pet will be the patient’s sole responsibility.
What Should You Leave at Home?
While personal items can help you acclimate to the treatment environment, you shouldn’t bring everything with you. The best rule of thumb is to avoid anything that your treatment center prohibits, usually because it disrupts the rehabilitation environment, and you can expect the staff to inspect any items you or your visitors bring. While the rules will vary across centers, most facilities prohibit these items:
Receiving Personal Items After Admission
If you forget to pack something when heading to treatment, you don’t have to go without it. Friends and family can drop off items for patients or bring them during visits. Some centers also allow patients to receive care packages. Just like when entering treatment, any items Windmill Wellness Ranch patients receive will undergo a search by staff to ensure that they abide by center rules.
The Importance of Checking Your Treatment Center’s Personal Property Rules
Even with this guide to help you pack when heading to rehab, you should always check what specific items your treatment center will allow, as the rules can vary. For example, some centers completely prohibit technology, but Windmill Wellness Ranch allows patients to use computers, tablets, and phones with approval during set hours. Always check with your center so that you don’t waste time and space packing things you won’t be allowed to use.
We believe that creating a welcoming environment is essential for successful recovery, and we allow patients to bring in personal items that don’t interfere with treatment.
Created specifically for those who have loved ones that struggle with addiction.