What do you need to bring to inpatient rehab in Ohio? The exact requirements will vary somewhat by the facility and also by the season. Ohio weather gets very cold in the winter, so your clothing choices would be different for spring and summer. The main thing to remember is not to overpack. Bring only what you need. You likely won’t have a lot of storage space in your rehab room, so keep that in mind. Just about all rehabs will have laundry facilities, so seven days’ worth of clothing should be sufficient.
Most rehabs have rather strict clothing requirements. For example, if the facility has a pool, one-piece suits for women and swimming trunks for men are likely required. No bikinis or Speedos. Low-cut tops and short shorts allowing the buttocks to show will also not be allowed. Plan to bring modest clothing suitable for the weather. In general, you should bring:
- Comfortable shoes, slippers and plastic shower shoes, one pair each
- Underwear for men, panties and bras for women
- Simple t-shirts and slacks are best for both sexes
- Bathing suits and trunks if the rehab has a pool
- Pajamas and robe
- Outerwear like sweatshirts and jackets for colder weather
- A hat for the sun
- Socks
Rehabs often have strict rules about logos and lettering on clothing. No kind of offensive or suggestive slogans or such on clothing will be allowed. It’s best to bring plain items with no lettering on them at all.
Personal Hygiene Products in Rehab
You will also need to bring your personal care products. This would include shaving gear for men and feminine hygiene items for women. Check labels closely for alcohol. Most rehabs will prohibit anything with alcohol. Remember to bring:
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Brush and comb
- Shampoo, conditioner and body wash or soap
- Lotion
- Lip balm
- Deodorant
- Sunscreen
- Makeup
Don’t overdo it. Keep everything basic. Remember, you’ll have to keep track of all this stuff, store it and lug it all back with you after your discharge.
Items Prohibited at all Rehabs
This is common sense, but you cannot bring drugs and alcohol. Prescription medication must be in its original pharmacy container with a clearly legible label. Rehabs only allow non-addictive maintenance medication, such as that for high blood pressure or thyroid conditions. Controlled substances, even if prescribed, will be confiscated and not available to you while you are at their facility. Other prohibited items include weapons, vapes, pornography, video games, sporting equipment, aerosol containers and any kind of games. Outside food and drinks are commonly prohibited as well.
Some rehabs allow cell phones and laptops; others do not. You will need to contact your facility and ask. If they’re allowed, be prepared to have only very limited access to them. Don’t forget chargers and power cords.
Disposable razors and shavers are typically allowed. Some rehabs allow MP players; others do not. Sometimes, you can bring your own blankets and pillows, too.
Rules of Rehab
Besides restrictions on what you can bring with you, be prepared to follow a set of strict rules at your rehab facility. This may include:
- Limited access to cell phones and laptops if they’re allowed at all
- Segregated quarters with no romantic relationships allowed
- Mandatory attendance at all rehab activities
- No TV, no music and no books unless self-help or spiritual
- Restrictions on your movements
- Highly structured schedule
The idea behind most of these rules is to force you to focus on your recovery and nothing else. The facility doesn’t want you to think about the outside world while you are there working on your sobriety. That’s enough to deal with on its own. Distractions only make it harder. It’s really all for your own good.
Rehabs run very strict schedules. You will get up when told to, and you will eat your meals at certain times. There will be very little leisure time, although all rehabs do permit some free time. Most of your day will be spent working on your recovery. After all, that’s why you’re there. It’s not a resort.
For More Information About Rehabs
Just call us at 833-820-2922 anytime. We can answer your questions about rehab and refer you to one right in your area. We’re here to listen, to offer hope and to help any way we can.