What to Pack for Treatment

Packing to be Properly Prepared for Rehab

The days leading up to an individual leaving for alcohol or substance abuse disorder treatment can produce a mixed bag of feelings. Excitement, nervousness, anxiety, and even elements of fear are all typical and normally arrive as a byproduct of preparing to enter the unknown.

Despite this wide range of emotions, it’s important to remain grounded in feelings of hope. It takes courage and willpower to enter treatment, but the future is wide open with new possibilities and the opportunity for a return to normality.

One of the most common reasons for anxiety is the uncertainty of what to bring to treatment. The thought of leaving the comforts of a daily routine and not having access to simple items we take for granted can add to the anxiousness of entering a residential setting with strangers. Knowing what to pack for treatment can help ease your mind and make sure you’ve got the essentials in place.

Keep reading if you have decided to find help at what we consider one of the best rehab centers in New Mexico, and get prepared for the recovery journey of a lifetime with Icarus!

Bring (Most of) the Comforts of Home

Disregarding what you may have heard, most modern facilities allow clients to bring various items that make their time in treatment more comfortable. Understanding the items you’re allowed to bring will help you pack more efficiently and help you include things that you use daily.

In the following article, we’ll outline what you can bring with you to treatment, including hygiene and beauty products and forms of electronics. There are also suggestions regarding clothes to consider packing as well.

If you’re preparing to enter treatment, the first and most important thing we’d like to offer you is congratulations and accolades for taking this huge step toward recovery. Before you begin packing, we recommend reading this article as a guide so nothing is left behind and you don’t include items against the rules.

What Can I Bring With Me to Treatment?

Although every treatment center is different regarding what you’re allowed to bring, the list of appropriate items is generally similar. You’ll want to make sure you include all of your essential items when you begin packing.

Essential items include weather-appropriate clothing for all times of day and hygiene and toiletry products. However, it’s important to note that normally there are specific requirements regarding any liquids and items contained in bottles.

You’re also allowed to bring items to help occupy your time while you’re in the residential area. This includes books, magazines, puzzles, coloring books, and other literature or entertainment items.

Besides optional items you’ll want to include, certain things you will be required to bring are considered mandatory. This includes items or documents with pertinent medical information and any prescriptions.

It may be helpful to separate items by category, which can make packing easier and more organized. This also makes it easier to inventory everything you’re able to bring, which we outline more specifically in the following section.

What to Pack for Treatment: General Guidelines

Understandably, each client has requirements for certain items they may want to bring to treatment. While it’s important to bring certain items of importance, you must have enough space to pack your general requirements.

Packing items based on the order of importance may be the most efficient way to prepare your luggage. One of the easiest ways to begin packing is by starting with any clothing or accessories you’ll need during your stay.

Clothes to Consider Bringing

The following list contains clothing items to consider bringing, followed by things you may want to leave at home. Keep in mind that laundry services are available at our facilities. Because of the option to wash and dry, bringing one week’s worth of clothes should be sufficient, regardless of the length of your treatment. It’s important to note that there are no dry cleaning services available, so you should avoid packing items that require any type of special care.

• Bring comfortable tennis shoes to wear for the majority of your time. Be sure to pack flip-flops as well to wear in the shower.
• Depending on the time of year, comfortable short-sleeved t-shirts are sufficient. If you’re arriving during a colder time of year, remember to bring a good mix of long-sleeve shirts or sweaters as well.
• Depending on the weather, pack either pants or shorts. Any denim material is appropriate for either. Sweat pants are a suitable option for the evening or for cold weather.
• If you plan on participating in family counseling or receiving visits, you may want to pack one or two “dress” or semi-formal outfits.
• Bring plenty of socks and underwear.
• Swimming is available at the facilities, so pack a bathing suit if you plan to participate in pool activities.
• Pack two or three pairs of pajamas or preferred nightclothes
• If the temperatures outside are on the cold side, you’ll want to bring a heavier coat or jacket. Even during the spring or summer, temperatures inside the facility may become colder, so bringing a hoodie or light jacket to wear indoors is a good idea.
• Rooms are shared between two clients with a bathroom and shower. You may bring a bathrobe.
• You can pack slippers for wearing in your room during downtime and evening hours.
• Hats are allowed as well if you wish to wear or pack one.
• Non-revealing workout clothing is allowed if you plan on participating in yoga or other physical recreation.

The following list contains wardrobe items you should consider leaving at home.

Clothes to Leave Home

• Any revealing or provocative clothing, including short shorts, skirts, or see-through leggings
• Clothing with drug or alcohol-related themes or suggestions
• Any clothing items with profanity, nudity, or pornographic images
• Two-piece bathing suits for women

After you’ve packed all wardrobe items, the next group of items includes personal hygiene and beauty products.

Personal Hygiene and Beauty Products to Pack

Personal hygiene and beauty products can make you feel more comfortable and maintain a normal routine. There are a few important rules regarding hygiene, beauty, and toiletry products.

Any items containing plastic bottles such as shampoo, conditioner, and body wash must be sealed. Additionally, items containing alcohol are not allowed in the facilities. Aerosol containers should be left at home as well. However, you should consider packing at least a thirty-day supply of the following items:

• Deodorant
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Shampoo/conditioner
• Styling products (gel, items with pumps)
• Comb or brush
• Feminine hygiene products
• Shaving cream or gel
• Lotion
• Sunscreen during the spring or summer
• Makeup products

Toiletries and other provided items are available in some instances when clients can’t provide their own hygiene products. Things like soap, shampoo, and conditioner are available per request.

Additionally, all sheets, blankets, and other linens are provided by staff. You may also bring towels or washcloths. However, these items are available at our facilities for your convenience.

There are a few holistic treatment items to consider that may enhance your experience at Icarus.

• Yoga mats and other yoga equipment are allowed, and you may want to consider browsing options for these items before arriving.
• Certain physical activities and equipment are available as part of our holistic treatment options. You should pack comfortable fitness wear and tennis or running shoes as a reminder.

While all of the items mentioned previously are important to pack, there are additional things you may want to leave at home.

Items Prohibited During Treatment at Icarus

It may seem like some of the prohibited items at Icarus don’t belong on this list. However, relevant psychological evidence supports the ban of most of these items.

• Any drug-related items, including narcotics and drug paraphernalia
• Items containing alcohol
• Aerosol containers
• Dental floss
• Opened vitamin bottles or any other supplements
• Large amounts of makeup or jewelry
• Inappropriate clothing containing profanity, drug references, nudity, or pornographic images
• Electronic devices like laptops, DVD players, gaming systems, smartwatches, and digital cameras
• Weapons including pocket knives, guns, or other sharp objects
• Sporting equipment
• Pornographic movies, photos, or magazines
• Outside food or drink
• Any gambling accessories like dice, playing cards, dominoes, or other items
• Candles, incenses, and oil burners

There are strong psychological connections to many of these items when it comes to individuals with substance abuse disorder. It’s not uncommon for individuals suffering from narcotic or alcohol addiction to become triggered by gambling, pornography, and other activities.

These elements act as triggers because gambling, pornography, and sex addictions are closely related to drug and alcohol addiction. Additionally, these activities aren’t seen as healthy outlets during recovery.

Many clients have questions about cellphones, tablets, or laptops in treatment. These items are allowed in certain cases, depending on the level of treatment and specific program a client enters.

Can I Bring My Cell Phone or Laptop to Rehab?

There are different rules regarding cell phones and tablets during treatment at Icarus Behavioral Health. The following are examples of different scenarios and rules for these devices.

• Upon entering, most clients are required to surrender cell phones and tablets during intake.
• Once clients become acclimated to our facilities and get comfortable in treatment, these devices may be returned.
• However, there are normally certain times when clients may use cell phones and tablets.

It’s important that this isn’t viewed as a form of punishment. One of the most critical elements of recovery and any treatment program is the full attention and focus on education and overcoming addiction. One of the most efficient ways to ensure this focus is by eliminating distractions as often as possible.

It’s not uncommon for clients to leave cell phones at home voluntarily. There are phones available for use in the residential area during evening hours and breaks. Clients may take advantage of these times for contacting loved ones and family.

Are There Other Items That Might Be Best Left Home?

The items listed above are the most important for what not to bring. However, there are certain cases when clients arrive and are in possession of something that the staff determines is not safe or conducive to recovery.

If you bring something that the staff doesn’t allow into the facility, whether you are attending our program for alcohol abuse or you came to Icarus for fentanyl rehab, there are safekeeping options while you are in treatment.

Storage of Personal and Prohibited Items

When clients bring something on the prohibited list or staff deems it inappropriate, there are lockers available near the intake area. These lockers secure any items that clients aren’t allowed to bring in and will be kept there until their discharge date.

A list of items entered into these lockers is placed in the client file. Before exiting the property, each client will have the opportunity to retrieve their items and inventory everything.

There are a few other areas of importance you should know about before entering the facilities.

Precautions in the Time of Covid

Icarus Behavioral Health takes all available measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19. There is a strict protocol in place regarding all new intakes, and each client must meet the requirements before being accepted into the facility.

• Before admission, each client must receive a Covid test and prove the negative results. Tests may be taken at any location of your choice. The most important thing to remember is that the location where the test is administered must be willing and able to provide proof of your results.
• Temperature scans are administered to anyone entering the grounds. This includes clients and all staff members. Visitors must also undergo a temperature scan during family therapy and visitation.
• All visitors and staff will be required to wear a face-covering at all times while in contact with patients.
• Whenever clients exit the grounds for recreation time or any other purpose, masks are required at all times.

Financial Concerns and Spending Money

If there are concerns regarding insurance or payments for treatment and services, we encourage you to contact our admissions department. There are certain resources available to individuals with no insurance or funding to pay for treatment. Staff will provide information regarding any financial concerns regarding treatment.

Clients will also be allowed to spend money while at our facilities. There is a store available for individuals that wish to purchase various food items and snacks.

Clients will also have the opportunity to participate in recreational therapy, social outings, or other trips to certain places in the local area. Clients are required to fund these trips. We strongly encourage clients to use debit or credit cards for additional spending. This reduces the risk of misplacing any cash kept on hand.

Prepare Yourself for An Adventures In Healing

Icarus Behavioral Health puts emphasis on holistic and alternative options during recovery. Engaging in holistic options and remedies for many of our clients is new and exciting, and we encourage full participation in these programs.

The primary goal at Icarus Behavioral Health is to provide education and healing for mental health and substance abuse disorders. We believe the best way to provide these elements is through a combination of physical and mental engagement.

Hopefully, this article provides sufficient information regarding what to bring and what not to bring during your stay at our facilities. Please remember that the most important thing to bring is an open mind and a positive mental attitude. Don’t hesitate to contact us with any further questions, and we look forward to being a part of your recovery!