What to Bring to Inpatient Rehab — Packing Guide

Knowing what to bring — and what to leave behind — can meaningfully reduce the anxiety around entering residential addiction treatment. This guide covers everything you need for a comfortable, compliant admission to inpatient rehab in Cherry Hill, NJ. When in doubt, call our team at (732) 523-5239 before you pack — we'll walk you through our specific requirements.

Documents and Identification

Bring these items to every inpatient admission — they are required for intake:

• Government-issued photo ID (driver's license, state ID, or passport)
• Insurance card (front and back)
• Social Security card or number
• All prescription medication bottles with the original pharmacy labels intact
• Emergency contact information — names and phone numbers for key family members or trusted contacts
• Any prior treatment records, psychiatric evaluations, or medical history documents you have access to (helpful but not required)

Clothing

Pack enough clothing for the length of your anticipated stay — typically 7 to 30 days for residential treatment, depending on your program. Laundry facilities are generally available in residential settings.

• Comfortable, modest, casual clothing (jeans, leggings, t-shirts, sweatshirts)
• Closed-toe shoes — sneakers are ideal; flip-flops for shower use
• Layers — temperatures in residential facilities vary and you'll want options
• Workout or physical activity clothing — most programs include exercise or recreation time
• Pajamas or comfortable sleepwear
• Underwear and socks for the full duration of your stay

Avoid clothing with drug or alcohol references, graphics promoting substance use, or offensive imagery. Most facilities will ask you to keep these items stored away even if not confiscated.

Toiletries and Personal Care

Basic toiletries are typically provided by the facility, but most residential programs allow — and encourage — patients to bring their own for comfort. The key restriction: all products must be alcohol-free.

• Shampoo and conditioner (alcohol-free formulas)
• Body wash or soap
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Non-alcohol mouthwash (Biotene or ACT Anticavity are alcohol-free options)
• Deodorant (check the label — most are fine)
• Razor (electric razors are preferred at many facilities over disposable)
• Feminine hygiene products as needed
• Lip balm, moisturizer, sunscreen (check labels for alcohol content)

Most facilities require that all containers be factory-sealed upon admission. Products that have been opened may not be accepted without inspection. Avoid bringing hand sanitizer, perfumes, or colognes with alcohol content — these are typically prohibited.

Medications — Important Rules

All prescription medications must be disclosed and brought in their original pharmacy bottles with the label intact. Do not bring medications in weekly pill organizers without also bringing the original bottles. The medical team will review all medications at admission and manage dispensing throughout your stay.

• Bring all current prescription medications — including non-psychiatric ones (blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid, etc.)
• Do not bring benzodiazepines or opioids unless specifically directed by admissions staff — these will be managed by the clinical team
• Disclose all over-the-counter medications, supplements, and vitamins — they require review before use
• If you are on MAT medications (buprenorphine/Suboxone, naltrexone), notify admissions in advance so continuity of care can be planned

What to Leave Home

Leaving these items behind protects your safety, security, and focus on treatment:

• Valuables and jewelry — expensive items are a security risk in shared residential settings
• Large amounts of cash — bring $20–$50 for incidentals at most
• Cell phones and laptops — most programs restrict personal devices, especially in the first 1–2 weeks; call ahead to confirm policy
• Firearms or weapons of any kind
• Any controlled substances not prescribed and disclosed to admissions staff
• Products with alcohol content (mouthwash, hand sanitizer, certain perfumes)

Optional Comfort Items

Many patients find that a few personal comfort items make the residential experience significantly easier, especially in the first few days:

• Journal and pens — writing is encouraged in most programs
• Books (physical paperbacks; check if e-readers are permitted)
• Family photos — a meaningful comfort item, widely welcomed
• An approved music player or MP3 player (confirm device policy in advance)
• A comfortable personal pillow if travel allows (confirm with admissions)
• Playing cards, puzzle books, or other low-tech entertainment for downtime

Every facility has specific rules — and policies can differ between the detox phase and the residential treatment phase. The best approach is to call (732) 523-5239 and speak with our admissions team directly. We'll walk you through exactly what to bring, what to leave home, and answer any questions about the admission day process.