Preparing to enter inpatient rehab is a courageous and transformative step toward recovery. Whether it’s your first time seeking treatment or a return to continue the healing journey, knowing what to bring with you can ease anxiety and help you settle into your new environment with confidence. A well-packed bag ensures you have everything you need to focus fully on your mental, emotional, and physical health.
Every rehab facility has its own rules and recommendations, so always check with your specific center before finalizing your list. At Evoke Wellness, we provide detailed guidelines for all incoming clients to help them feel informed and prepared. That said, this comprehensive checklist covers common items and considerations to guide your packing process for inpatient rehab.
Why Packing Smart Matters
Rehab is a structured and immersive environment where the focus is on healing. The items you bring can either support or distract from that goal. Thoughtful packing means fewer disruptions, increased comfort, and more energy to devote to the recovery journey. Keep in mind that most facilities aim to create a safe, substance-free, and therapeutic space—so restrictions are in place to protect all clients.
Knowing what to bring and what to leave behind can help you feel grounded and avoid unnecessary stress when you arrive. Let’s walk through everything you might need.
Essentials to Bring
These core items should be at the top of your list. They are universally needed in most inpatient settings.
1. Valid Identification and Insurance Information
-
A driver’s license, passport, or other government-issued ID
-
Insurance card and policy information
-
Any pre-authorization or referral forms (if applicable)
2. Prescription Medications
-
Approved medications in original packaging with labels intact
-
A list of current prescriptions, dosages, and prescribing doctors
-
Inhalers, EpiPens, or other necessary medical devices
Your treatment team will review and safely manage your medications as part of your care plan.
3. Clothing and Footwear
Bring comfortable, season-appropriate clothes that adhere to the facility’s dress code. Think modest, casual wear that supports movement and relaxation.
Recommended items:
-
7–10 changes of clothes (including T-shirts, jeans, sweatpants)
-
A few warm layers (hoodies, cardigans, light jackets)
-
Undergarments and socks for a week
-
Comfortable shoes (sneakers, slip-ons)
-
Shower shoes or flip-flops
-
Pajamas or sleepwear
-
Workout attire for fitness or recreational therapy
Avoid clothes with offensive logos, drug/alcohol references, or revealing cuts.
4. Toiletries and Hygiene Products
Hygiene is a key part of self-care in rehab, and most facilities encourage clients to maintain daily routines.
Pack:
-
Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss
-
Shampoo and conditioner (alcohol-free)
-
Body wash or soap (non-aerosol)
-
Deodorant (non-aerosol)
-
Hairbrush or comb
-
Feminine hygiene products
-
Sunscreen and lip balm
Note: Products should be unopened and alcohol-free. Avoid aerosol sprays, mouthwash with alcohol, or perfume/cologne.
Optional (But Helpful) Items
These comfort items can make your stay more pleasant and personalized:
-
A journal or notebook for personal reflection
-
Books (self-help, inspirational, or spiritual titles preferred)
-
Photos of loved ones (no frames with glass)
-
Stamps and envelopes for writing letters
-
A sketchbook or art supplies (if allowed)
-
Alarm clock (battery-operated only)
-
A reusable water bottle
These items can provide a sense of normalcy and support the healing process.
What Not to Bring
To maintain a safe and respectful environment, certain items are restricted or prohibited in most inpatient rehab facilities. Always review your center’s specific list, but commonly restricted items include:
-
Drugs, alcohol, or paraphernalia
-
Over-the-counter medications not pre-approved
-
Weapons or sharp objects
-
Electronics with internet access (laptops, tablets, smartwatches)
-
Jewelry of high value or large quantities
-
Cash over a small amount
-
Revealing or offensive clothing
Leaving these items at home avoids delays or disruptions during the admission process.
Staying Connected and Engaged
In many programs, cell phones are restricted or only accessible during designated times. This is to help clients detach from outside distractions and focus inward. While this may seem challenging at first, it often becomes one of the most transformative aspects of treatment. Facilities typically allow monitored phone calls or video visits at scheduled times, so you can stay connected to loved ones without constant digital input.
Instead, use this opportunity to engage deeply with the therapeutic process, reflect on your goals, and build meaningful in-person connections with peers and staff.
Planning for Your Health and Wellness
In addition to what you physically bring, think about how to mentally prepare for your stay. Inpatient rehab is an intensive environment that emphasizes growth, self-discovery, and healing. Arriving with an open mind, a willingness to be honest, and a commitment to the process can make all the difference.
You’ll have access to a range of supports that may include individual therapy, group therapy, medication management, holistic healing practices, fitness sessions, nutrition counseling, and more. Packing with these elements in mind helps you enter the space ready to participate fully.
Those entering an Intensive Inpatient Program in Massachusetts often benefit from the structured schedule and therapeutic offerings designed to support both physical stabilization and emotional resilience. Bringing along tools for journaling, reading, or spiritual reflection can enhance your participation in these activities.
Support for Mental and Emotional Needs
Some people find it helpful to bring comfort items or grounding tools that support mental health during the adjustment period. These might include:
-
A favorite blanket or pillow (if allowed)
-
Fidget tools or stress balls
-
Prayer beads or small inspirational tokens
-
Relaxing teas or herbal supplements (if permitted)
Make sure anything you bring is safe, permitted, and clearly labeled. Comfort items can help ease anxiety, especially during the first few days when the environment is new and unfamiliar.
Rehab can be emotionally intense, but it is also incredibly rewarding. With the right mindset—and the right items in your bag—you’ll be well-prepared to embrace the challenges and celebrate the victories ahead.
Life After Packing: The Bigger Picture
What you pack matters—but what you take away from rehab matters more. Each item you bring supports your commitment to healing and growth. At Evoke Wellness, our compassionate team is here to guide you through every stage of treatment, including preparation for arrival.
Packing is just the beginning of your recovery journey. Once enrolled, you’ll join one of the most respected Addiction Treatment Programs in Cohasset, MA, where clinical excellence meets personal care. Our residential programs are rooted in compassion, structure, and evidence-based practices that provide real tools for long-term success.
A Foundation for Holistic Care
Mental wellness is also a cornerstone of our work. Our facility is proud to offer a variety of Mental Health Treatment Programs in Massachusetts, all designed to support the complex interplay between mental health and substance use. Whether you’re coping with anxiety, depression, trauma, or another diagnosis, your care plan will include integrated support to treat the whole person—not just the addiction.
Why Choose Us?
At Evoke Wellness, we understand that making the decision to enter inpatient rehab is both brave and deeply personal. We’re more than just a treatment facility—we’re a healing community built on empathy, professionalism, and evidence-based care. Our clinical and support staff are dedicated to creating an environment where you can feel safe, respected, and empowered from the moment you arrive.
Our Intensive Inpatient Program in Massachusetts is designed for individuals who need a structured, immersive experience to begin the recovery process. We provide 24/7 medical supervision, individual and group therapy sessions, mental health support, and a full continuum of care to ensure your emotional and physical needs are met every step of the way.
What sets us apart?
-
Personalized Treatment Plans: Every individual comes to us with a unique story. We tailor each treatment plan to reflect your specific needs, whether you’re struggling with substance use, mental health disorders, trauma, or co-occurring conditions.
-
Experienced, Compassionate Staff: Our team is composed of licensed professionals, clinicians, case managers, and peer support specialists who bring deep expertise and compassion to their work. We’re here to listen, guide, and support you—not judge you.
-
Holistic and Evidence-Based Approaches: We integrate traditional therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) with holistic practices such as mindfulness, meditation, fitness, art therapy, and nutritional counseling.
-
Family and Community Involvement: Healing doesn’t happen in isolation. We offer family therapy and education to help your loved ones better understand the recovery process and build a strong foundation for long-term support.
-
A Safe, Structured Environment: Our Cohasset location provides a serene and secure setting where you can disconnect from the outside world and focus entirely on recovery.
Whether you’re coming to us from across Massachusetts or right here in Cohasset, we offer one of the most respected Addiction Treatment Programs in MA, with a strong track record of helping clients achieve meaningful, lasting sobriety.
Conclusion
What you bring with you to inpatient rehab is more than clothing or toiletries—it’s the intention to change your life. At Evoke Wellness, we honor that intention with dignity, support, and comprehensive care. When you arrive with your essentials packed, you’re not just stepping into a facility; you’re stepping into a new chapter of healing, growth, and transformation.
Our admissions team will guide you every step of the way—from explaining what to bring, to answering questions, to helping you settle in. We know that starting treatment can feel overwhelming, but you are not alone. By preparing in advance and choosing a trusted rehab provider, you are setting yourself up for success.
We also recognize that addiction recovery isn’t one-size-fits-all. That’s why our team collaborates across disciplines to offer compassionate, customized care that addresses substance use, mental health, trauma, and overall well-being. Through our Mental Health Treatment Programs in Massachusetts, we provide integrated support that treats the whole person—not just the addiction. Recovery is possible, and it starts with a single step. Let that step be a phone call to us. Whether you’re coming to us for yourself or a loved one, we’re here to make the process as smooth and supportive as possible. Contact Evoke Wellness at 866.931.6429 today to speak with a member of our admissions team and take the first step toward a brighter, healthier future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What should I not bring to inpatient rehab?
Avoid packing items like drugs, alcohol, weapons, revealing or offensive clothing, excessive cash, and electronics with internet access. At Evoke Wellness, a list of restricted items will be provided to ensure your safety and comfort during treatment.
Can I bring my cell phone to inpatient rehab?
Policies vary by facility. At Evoke Wellness, access to phones may be restricted or supervised to help maintain focus on recovery. You’ll receive details on electronic use during the admissions process.
How many clothes should I pack for rehab?
Bring about seven days’ worth of casual, comfortable clothing suited to the current weather. Include sleepwear, exercise clothes, undergarments, socks, and layering options. On-site laundry access means you don’t need to overpack.
Can I bring personal hygiene products?
Yes, but they must be alcohol-free and unopened. Recommended items include toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, deodorant, shaving supplies, and feminine hygiene products.
Should I bring medications to inpatient rehab?
Absolutely. Bring any prescribed medications in their original packaging along with a list of your current prescriptions. Our medical staff will review and administer your medications as part of your Intensive Inpatient Program in Massachusetts care plan.
Can family visit or contact me during treatment?
Yes, family involvement is a key part of recovery. While visitation may be limited at the beginning, scheduled calls, family therapy sessions, and educational resources are available throughout treatment.
