Short version: photo ID, your insurance card, your medications in their original bottles, and about a week of comfortable clothes. Everything else is detail — and if you forget something, we will sort it out when you get here.
Nobody has ever been turned away for packing wrong. Do not let a list stop you from coming.
Documents and essentials
- Government-issued photo ID — driver's licence, state ID or passport
- Your insurance card, or a photo of the front and back
- A written list of your current medications with doses and how often you take them
- Your prescription medications in their original, labelled pharmacy bottles
- Prescribing physician and pharmacy names and phone numbers
- Phone numbers for family, your employer and any outside provider — written down, in case your phone is stored
- A debit card or a small amount of cash for incidentals
- Your prescription glasses or contacts, with solution
On medications: bring them, do not pre-sort them, and do not stop taking a prescribed medication before you arrive without talking to us or your prescriber first. Abruptly stopping some medications is dangerous. Our medical team will review everything at intake and decide what continues, what is held and what is adjusted.
Clothing — about seven days' worth
Laundry is available, so you do not need to pack for the full length of your stay. Comfort matters more than anything else; detox is not the week to dress up.
- Seven days of casual, comfortable clothing — loose layers are best
- Something warm. Temperature regulation gets unreliable during withdrawal and people are often cold.
- Comfortable closed-toe shoes, plus slippers or sandals
- Pyjamas or something you can sleep in comfortably
- A light jacket or hoodie
- Modest swimwear if the programme includes pool access
Toiletries
Bring what you normally use, with one important exception: nothing containing alcohol. That rule catches people out, because it includes far more than the obvious.
Fine to bring
- Shampoo, conditioner, body wash
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss
- Deodorant (non-aerosol)
- Hairbrush, comb, hair ties
- Unopened skincare and lotion
- Feminine hygiene products
- Electric razor
Check the label first
- Mouthwash — most contains alcohol
- Hand sanitiser
- Perfume, cologne, body spray
- Aerosol hairspray and dry shampoo
- Nail polish remover
- Some toners and astringents
If you are not sure about a product, bring it and let intake decide. That is easier than arriving without something you need.
What to leave at home
- Any alcohol, drugs or paraphernalia
- Unlabelled, expired or unprescribed medication, including someone else's prescription
- Weapons of any kind — this includes pocket knives, multitools and anything with a blade
- Valuables: jewellery, watches, anything irreplaceable
- Large amounts of cash
- Energy drinks and outside food
- Revealing clothing, or anything with drug, alcohol or violence imagery
- Candles, incense, lighters and anything with an open flame
- Pets — though ask us, because some programmes accommodate them
Phones, laptops and staying in touch
Phone access is usually limited during acute withdrawal and then expanded as you stabilise. That is a clinical decision, not a punishment — the first few days are physically hard and uninterrupted rest genuinely helps.
Bring your phone and charger. Intake will explain the policy for your programme, including how and when you can contact family, and how family can reach you in an emergency.
What we provide
- Bedding, linens and towels
- All meals and snacks
- Laundry facilities
- Medical care, including comfort medication for withdrawal
- Basic toiletries if you arrive without them
If you are coming straight from a hospital, a jail release or a crisis, bring nothing. Come as you are and we will handle the rest. Someone can bring your things later, or we will supply what you need. Arriving empty-handed is never a reason to delay.
Before you leave the house
- Arrange care for children, pets and anyone who depends on you
- Tell one trusted person where you are going
- Sort out work leave if you need to — see taking time off work
- Set bills to autopay, or hand that to someone you trust
- Bring your car keys and house keys, and know who has a spare
- Have your insurance verified so cost is not hanging over you — start here
Packing FAQs
Can I smoke or vape?
Policies differ by facility and by programme. Ask when you call and we will tell you exactly what applies, including whether you need to bring your own supply.
Will my belongings be searched?
Yes. Everything is checked at intake — for your safety and everyone else's. Anything not permitted is stored securely and returned when you leave.
Can someone bring me things later?
Usually yes, subject to the same rules. Ask your care team about drop-off times so nothing gets turned away at the door.
What if I can't afford to buy anything before I come?
Then don't. Come with your ID and your medications if you have them, and tell us at intake. We will make sure you have what you need.
Can I bring my own vitamins or supplements?
Bring them in their original sealed containers and let the medical team review them. Some supplements interact with withdrawal medications, so nothing is taken without clinical sign-off.
Questions about packing?
Call and ask. It is a two-minute conversation and it saves a difficult first hour.
Policies on permitted items are set by the facility and by clinical staff and can change. Confirm anything you are unsure about with admissions before you travel. Do not discontinue a prescribed medication before arrival without speaking to a clinician. If this is a medical emergency, call 911.