What To Pack For Treatment
Being Properly Prepared for a Stay at South Shores
Understandably, rehab centers such as South Shores are somewhat strict on the types of things that recovering individuals can bring into the facility.
However, we understand that our clients do require basic attire and functional items throughout their stay and do our best to be accommodating of the needs of our clientele.
In general, we try to restrict the number of questionable substances entering the facility, leading to temptation or threat of relapse in other clients. This list of items includes anything that may contain alcohol, open pill bottles, and narcotic-based medication.
When you first arrive at our facility, the admissions team is likely to inspect the luggage to determine if you’re carrying anything that isn’t allowed. Anything that is not allowed is placed in secure storage and made available upon discharge.
We have crafted the following list of prohibited items, and among others, this can set put down a basic guidelines for those seeking treatment. that users need to ask about to be informed.
- Of importance if you are travelling to South Shores via a flight from elsewhere, be sure to bring minimal luggage, such as (1) carry-on and (1) checked bag at most. If your liquid toiletries (such as shampoo, etc.) are brought on a carry-on, they must be kept to a 3-ounce liquid size. (add pics)
What Can I Bring With Me To Treatment
- Stamps and envelopes if you wish to mail letters
- A journal or notebook
- Calling cards if the facility needs them to make long-distance calls
- Insurance cards and at least one form of ID (passport, driver’s license, etc.)
- A checkbook, credit card, or debit card to pay for expenses
- Petty cash (not over $100) for store runs, vending machines, etc. These should be in small bills.
- If you’re bringing in medication, the bottles must have the information label intact. Medication purchased over the counter must be sealed on entry.
- An alarm clock without a radio. Some facilities will provide these free of charge.
- Jewelry that is considered essential (wedding rings, etc.) Other than those, your jewelry should be left at home.
- A list of names of individuals you’d like to have involved in your treatment.
These are general guidelines of what to bring with you to rehab. Please consult with our team before arriving, in case we have other suggestions about things you should bring with you. We are also happy to answer any questions and clarify our guidelines further.
Clothes To Consider Bringing (And Those to Leave Home)
When packing, consider putting in a week’s worth of outfits based on the current season, at maximum. A week’s worth of clothes may not seem sufficient, but it absolutely is, as regular access to laundry is provided throughout our facilities.
Generally, the clothes you can bring should:
- Be free of drug-related or offensive prints or references
- Be comfortable, especially sleepwear
- Not be revealing, adult nightwear, or similar
- Include sneakers for outdoor activities
- Include shower shoes or flip flops
- Include a sweater or a jacket for indoor use
Anything that doesn’t fall into this category should be left at home. It is strongly advised that you limit the amount of jewelry you bring into the facility since there’s no guarantee of its safety.
Expensive items should remain at home where they are safe. This warning includes outfits, shoes, and anything else considered valuable.
Personal Hygiene and Beauty Products To Pack
Basic toiletries are also required for a detox and residential stay at South Shores. While shopping trips occur occasionally, having some products to start with is wise.
Among the products you should take with you are:
- A toothbrush
- New toothpaste (unopened)
- Mouthwash (alcohol-free and unopened)
- Basic makeup (if desired, only the essentials)
- Feminine products (unopened)
- Lip Balm (unopened)
- Lotion (unopened)
- Sunscreen (unopened)
- Face cream and moisturizer (unopened)
- Shampoo and Conditioner (both unopened)
One of the issues many of our visitors run into is forgetting to double-check that their items are alcohol-free. While packing, please double-check those labels to ensure that you aren’t bringing in any alcohol-based products inadvertently!
Items Prohibited During Treatment atSouth Shores Recovery
- Candles or incense
- Food and Drink
- Weapons
- Electronic Devices
- Makeup or Jewelry in excess of the basics
- Vitamins, supplements, or OTC medication that is opened or unsealed
- Aerosol products
- Alcohol-based items
- Drug-related items
Additionally, pornography, sporting equipment, and gaming devices are prohibited. These guidelines were developed to help individuals focus on recovery without fear of being distracted.
Some of these items present a clear temptation to others within the facility. Since our primary focus is on ensuring that we have a safe and secure facility for all our clients, these items are strictly forbidden from the premises.
Can I Bring My Cellphone Or Laptop To Rehab
Cellphones, laptops, and other electronic devices are prohibited on the premises during detox and throughout the first week of residential treatment, for a total of what is typically 14 days.
You will still have access to a phone for calls each day at selected times.
If you arrive at the facility with a cellphone, it will be stored securely until you are given access according to progress made. Laptops and tablets aren’t permitted, so it would be best to leave them at home.
Having open access to electronic devices is a risk factor for rehab clients because they provide a way to distract oneself, which can be a path leading to relapse. Additionally, communication through these media (texts, calls, social media, etc.) provide a way for a recovering person to seek out substances banned on the premises.
Other Items That Might Be Best Left Home
Personal razors and nail clippers are also on the list of forbidden items, due to their sharpened edges and risk. If you have particular needs for food and drink, you will have to tell us beforehand to develop a diet that meets your needs.
You are not allowed to bring any outside food or drink into the facility. Cards, games, and sporting supplies are not allowed, as the facility will supply these. It’s best to leave equipment and games like those at home.
While electronic devices are not allowed (which means no tablets, cellphones, laptops, etc.), you may bring a portable personal music player. Check with the admissions staff on entry to see if your specific mobile device is allowed.
Generally, cigarettes are not allowed except during designated smoking times in specified areas. If you would like to quit, we can offer you some smoking cessation options. Vape policies are aligned with our rules on cigarettes. Those containing other than nicotine will be kept in storage.
Beauty products such as nail polish or synthetic nail-related products are also banned from the premises due to their caustic nature.
Storage Of Personal and Prohibited Items
If you do come to the facility with prohibited items, we will store them while you’re there. We secure these items and ensure that no one else can use them. You can rest easy knowing that our admin staff takes care of your items. When you check out, you’ll receive all those items you stored with us when you came in.
While it’s always safer to leave your forbidden items home, we will offer you a chance to stow those items with our admin staff if you forget to leave them home, and catalog them fully for you to sign off on, along with a picture taken for additional verification.
Prepare Yourself for An Adventure in Healing
Overcoming alcohol and substance abuse doesn’t have to be an arduous task. Accepting that you have a problem and seeking help is the first step to overcoming this issue. Thanks to our individual approach to recovery and our unique, results-based methodologies, we are sure that you’ll enjoy the time spent here with us.
At South Shores Detox and Recovery, our staff is welcoming and understanding, willing to help you with anything you need. Our professionals are trained and ready to guide you towards recovery through their proven Cognitive Behavioral Therapy approaches.
Healing from addiction takes time. You need to allow yourself to understand what you’ve been through and how it has affected you. But you don’t need to face the road to recovery alone. Let us turn your struggle into an adventure with the proper support and tools to give you back your life. Contact South Shores today to learn more about what we offer!