South Florida is an ideal place to start your journey into recovery. You’ll find treatment centers in tranquil settings close to nature that will help you heal. Now that you’ve made the decision, take care of the details like figuring out what you can and can’t bring with you when you go into drug rehab.
What Should You Bring for a Stay at a South Florida Drug Rehab?
Although you’ll be provided with daily necessities like a room, meals and recreation, there are still some items you should bring for your own convenience and comfort.
Clothing
It’s South Florida, so remember to pack for warm, sunny days and cooler nights. The center will have a laundry facility, so two weeks’ worth of clothing should be enough. Most rehabilitation centers have strict dress codes. They won’t allow clothing that’s offensive to other people. That means you should leave your shirts with political slogans, bar advertisements or anything overtly sexual at home. Take note of these typical rules when you pack.
- No tops with slogans or advertisements related to drinking or drugs.
- No shirts that advertise bars or liquor stores.
- No clothes that require dry cleaning.
- Shoes: a pair of sneakers, a pair of comfortable everyday shoes and flip-flops or shower shoes for the shower.
- No camisoles or tank tops unless worn with a camisole or jacket.
- Pajamas and a robe.
- Socks and underwear.
- Bathing suit: a one-piece for women and trunks for men.
- Hats and sunglasses.
- Slippers.
- One or two dressy outfits for family nights and other social events.
- Your personal toiletries, cosmetics and skin care.
Personal Items
- Books or magazines to read in your downtime.
- Photos of your family and loved ones.
- Calling cards for long-distance calls.
- Prescription medications in sealed, unopened bottles.
- Your own bedding from home if it helps you sleep.
Documents and Money
- Driver’s license.
- Insurance card and paperwork related to your inpatient stay.
- Cash in small bills for incidental expenses.
- Credit or debit card to pay for your medications while you’re at the center.
- Contact information for people that you want to keep posted about your treatment progress.
- Stamps, postcards and stationery.
- A journal.
Why Are There So Many Rules About What You Can Bring?
Like all of the rules at a rehabilitation center, these were put in place for your protection and the protection of your fellow residents. At your South Florida drug rehab, you won’t be allowed to wear anything that’s too revealing or that might offend other people. This is also the reason for the strict policies about bringing in your prescription medication. The bottles have to be new and unsealed to ensure that no alcohol or illicit drugs have been added to them.
What if You Have a Prescription?
In most cases, you can pack medications that have been prescribed by a physician. You should only bring enough to last the length of your inpatient stay. Some rehabilitation centers don’t allow you to bring drugs that are narcotics or opiates, even if they have been prescribed by a doctor. Others look at your individual history of addiction and abuse before deciding what you can bring. The best policy is to check with the center before you pack your medications. Every inpatient drug rehab has a zero-tolerance policy for drugs and alcohol. They may also have restrictions on the amount of caffeine and sugar you can consume. These rules are part of an environment where you learn to regulate your moods and emotions in healthy ways. In most South Florida drug rehabs, you can bring the following nonprescription items:
- Vitamins in a sealed, unopened bottle.
- Nicotine gum or patches.
- Some over-the-counter medications if in a sealed, unopened bottle.
- Chewing gum in an unopened package.
- Cigarettes.
- Insulin and syringes if you are an insulin-dependent diabetic.
Are You Looking for a South Florida Drug Rehab Center?
If you’ve made the decision to get treatment in South Florida, we can help. Our counselors are available day and night. We’ll advise you on the best treatment centers, what to expect when you go and even what to pack. Call us anytime at 844-639-8371.