When you enter a drug addiction treatment center, you’ll immediately begin to experience a new way of life. You’ll be spending your days in a sober environment, surrounded by people who are also there to recover from substance abuse. This new setting will initially feel strange, but with time you’ll begin to adjust and find your groove.
However, it is important that you plan ahead before entering drug rehab so that the process goes as smoothly as possible from the moment you check-in.
Whether you’re an adult or teen entering teen drug rehab, some things should be packed inside your suitcase before checking into the facility.
Here’s a list of things that can help make your transition into this sober living environment much smoother.
Table of Contents
Change of Clothing
You should start by packing a change of clothing that you can use while in drug rehab.
Your new environment will be much cleaner than your everyday living space, so you’ll want to make sure you have clothing that you can wear inside of your treatment center that is not soiled. Additionally, you will also be doing a lot of group events like group therapy and 12-step meetings, so having a change of clothing will allow you to look your best in all of these settings.
Personal Hygiene Items
When entering drug addiction treatment, you may want to bring a few personal hygiene items with you. These items can include a toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, and conditioner. You’ll also want to pack a small shaving kit if you normally shave your face or legs.
While you can always ask a staff member at the center to let you borrow their hygiene items, it never hurts to bring your own. You’ll feel more at ease knowing that you have your own personal hygiene items daily.
Comfort Items
One thing you should pack when entering drug rehab that many people forget is a comfort item.
You can select a special item that will help you feel at ease during your new sober living environment. You may want to pack a pillow or blanket, or you could bring an item that helps you stay focused on your recovery.
For example, some people like bringing a journal and pen to their drug rehab. Journaling is a therapeutic way of processing your thoughts and feelings and can be a helpful tool in recovery.
A Book to Read
Drug addiction treatment centers can be very demanding and full of activities. You’ll have a daily schedule of sorts to follow, but there may be times when you have a few minutes to yourself to relax and unwind. In these moments, you may want to begin reading a book.
Some treatment centers have a library of books you can check out, but you may want to bring your own as well. You can use the reading time to help you relax and unwind after a long day of meetings, therapy sessions, and other activities.
Reading a book can help you escape your current reality and enter into a fantasy world where you can forget about the stressful things that are going on in your life.
In Summary
Drug addiction treatment can be a frightening experience but it is important that you enter treatment with an open mind and a willingness to change your life for the better.
You can make the process much smoother if you plan and know what to pack when entering drug rehab so you can go through treatment with a positive outlook.