You are ready to enter treatment for your substance use disorder (SUD) and, after conducting research and consulting with mental health professionals, you’ve found the residential rehabilitation program that works for you. As you prepare to start your journey mentally and emotionally, you’ll realize that you need to prepare your belongings as well. No need to stress! Here’s a comprehensive list of what clothing you should bring to rehab and what you should leave at home.
Before you start packing, contact your prospective rehabilitation facility and ask for their policy regarding dress code. Some facilities enforce a strict dress code and you want to make sure that your clothes are acceptable. Once aware of any restrictions, you are ready to open your suitcase and start packing!
Shirts: To ensure that you are prepared for anything, take a variety of short- and long-sleeved shirts with you. You may find yourself involved in physical activities, such as jogging or yoga, that require athletic attire in addition to casual or business casual clothing for social gatherings and therapy sessions. If you are interested in career counseling, consider bringing a formal blouse or collared shirt with you. Leave the tank tops at home unless you know that your facility allows them.
Sweaters and Sweatshirts: Everyone likes to feel cozy in their favorite sweatshirt! Clothes that make you feel good are great additions to your packing checklist. It can get cold, so grab a sweater or two as well.
Outerwear: If the season is chilly, bring a jacket or overcoat, a hat, a scarf, gloves, and other winter necessities. If the season is warm, appropriate summer attire will suffice. Sunglasses and a baseball cap make good additions to any swimsuit.
Shorts and Pants: Confirm any restrictions on shorts, skirts, and pants before you add them to your bag. Make sure you have the proper attire for any activity. Comfortable pants, like jeans, slacks, athletic shorts, or sweatpants, will be appropriate for multiple events.
Undergarments: Don’t forget to bring socks and underwear! Though you will most likely have the opportunity to do laundry during your stay, you can never pack too many pairs of socks.
Pajamas: Forgetting your pajamas on a long trip is the worst! Fold up enough pajama sets to last you during your stay.
Shoes: Shoes can take up a lot of space in your suitcase, but make sure you have enough room for a pair of flip flops or other shower shoes, sneakers, and comfortable walking shoes.
Formalwear: Pack one or two outfits to wear on special occasions like visits from friends and family. You won’t need anything too fancy (the ballgown can stay home!), but a nice outfit that makes you feel good about yourself will be perfect.
Accessories and Fun Stuff: For robe-lovers, the pink, fuzzy robe in your bathroom might be at the top of your list. Whether it’s your Starry Night socks or cozy slippers, the clothing items that make you smile deserve a place in your luggage. Check with the facility before bringing special accessories like wedding bands, necklaces, earrings, and bracelets.
Leave These Pieces at Home
You should be comfortable during your time in early treatment, but your wardrobe needs to comply with the rules of the rehabilitation center.
Revealing Tops or Bottoms: Low-cut shirts, tight pants, short skirts or dresses, and sheer clothing are among the items that you should keep in your closet. Swimsuits or other outerwear that show a lot of skin may not comply with the dress code either.
Uncomfortable Shoes: There’s no need to pack expensive sneakers that hurt your feet or high heels that pinch your toes. Your treatment schedule will be busy, so don’t let sore feet slow you down.
Anything That Does Not Adhere to the Dress Code: It is important to know the facility policy on appropriate attire to avoid bringing items that you are not permitted to wear in the rehab center. Try to bring the necessities only. You can return to your complete wardrobe once you return home.
Extra accessories: Try to pare down your suitcase to include only your favorite accessories. A few special pieces, especially if they hold emotional significance, will be enough for your stay.
If you are still looking for the right rehabilitation facility for you, we invite you to explore Silver Lining Recovery. We provide each of our guests with a holistic treatment program tailored to suit their specific needs. When you join us, our team of dedicated mental health professionals will walk with you as you take the first steps in recovery. We want you to feel confident in yourself and your sobriety inside the facility and, after completion of the program, in your social and professional spheres. If you’re interested in joining our recovery community, please call us today at (866) 448-4563 for a consultation.