Some rehab facilities are stricter than others when it comes to what patients are allowed to bring. But generally, rehab facilities will allow you to bring a small amount of cash, an alarm clock, your prescription medication, and any jewelry that you consider to be a necessity such as a watch or your wedding ring.

When bringing prescription medication, bring a list of your medications and dosages.

You may also bring a list of names of those you wish to be involved in your treatment process. This could include your loved ones, your 12-step sponsors, or any healthcare professionals. Make sure you include their phone numbers and addresses.

You should also bring your credit card, debit card, or checkbook so you can pay for treatment medications if needed. Bring an ID as well as your insurance cards.

Some rehab facilities encourage patients to bring a notebook or journal. If you want to mail letters, bring some stamps and envelopes. You may also bring pictures of your loved ones.

Most rehabs will provide reading materials to keep you entertained. For those who want to bring their own books, they may be required to bring materials that have something to do with recovery or self-help.

Aside from the items listed above, there are other essentials that you need to pack if you are entering inpatient rehab. Most rehabs have a strict dress code which you may want to be aware of while you’re packing.

Keep in mind that you may have limited storage space in your room, so do not over-pack your clothes. The key factor is comfort. Bring shirts, shoes, and pants that are comfortable for everyday wear. If you are not sure about the weather, pack a few layering options like sweaters, jackets, or cardigans.

The rehab facility should have a laundry machine, so packing just a week’s worth of clothing should be enough. Also pack flip flips for the shower. You also need pajamas, socks, and undergarments.

Don’t forget your personal hygiene products. A lot of rehabs require toiletries to be completely alcohol-free. Bring 30 days-worth  of toiletries including toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, brush, shampoo, conditioner, feminine hygiene products, deodorant, lotion, sunscreen, and shaving cream.

Video games and playing cards are generally not allowed in rehab. This is because they distract patients from their true goal which is recovery. Removing these distractions from the patient’s everyday life can help them focus on getting sober and learning how to stay sober on their own.

Here are some other things you should not bring into rehab: drugs, alcohol, narcotics, weapons like guns, knives, scissors, and other sharp objects; pornography, toiletries or beauty products that contain alcohol such as mouthwash; electronic cigarettes, revealing clothing, DVDs, and sporting equipment.

There are plenty of activities throughout the day to keep you occupied, so there won’t be any need for these distractions. Don’t worry about food and drinks either: the rehab facility will provide those throughout the day.

When it comes to phone-related policies most rehabs vary. Some facilities allow patients to keep their phones while others do not. This is one of the most common questions encountered by admissions counselors. It’s best if you ask this question beforehand too if you are concerned about your electronic devices.

Just like video games, phones can serve as a distraction during the rehab process. While it does offer a ton of utility outside of entertainment, phones can also prevent patients from keeping their mind in their present situation. They will turn to social media to look at the outside world and worry about life outside of rehab. But the fight against addiction requires them to work on themselves and stay focused on getting sober.

Cellphones can serve as a distraction and temptation. But that said, some facilities do allow patients to use their phones in between sessions.

Don’t worry about communication because you will not be completely cut off from the outside world. You can leave rehab at any time and your phone will be returned to you afterwards. You can also call your loved ones, send letters, or be visited by them.

Some facilities do not allow phone privileges during the first five days—particularly during medical detox because this is an extremely vulnerable stage in treatment. During medical detox, the patient will slowly and safely be weaned off of drugs and alcohol. They need to focus on recovering and refocusing their mind. Their family will be updated about the patient’s progress throughout their journey.

People use drugs and alcohol to cope with stress and the challenges in their lives. But rehab involves replacing those harmful substances with healthier alternatives. While there are plenty of ways to safely cope from these triggers, temptations, and cravings, recovering individuals should find what works best for them.

Exercise is one of the best alternatives to drug use. Taking care of your body is a good way to not only get healthy but also to feel fulfilled. Exercise makes you more confident and ready to take on the challenges of life. It is known to be one of the best coping mechanisms for stress.

If exercise keeps the body healthy, mindfulness and meditation can help the mind. Addiction affects the mind just as much as the body. Practicing yoga, meditation, and mindfulness allows the mind to relax and focus its energy on healthy thoughts. When the mind is strong, the body becomes stronger in the process. It allows the individual to manage stress and relieve tension safely.

Aside from the body and mind, you should also take care of your soul. And that’s not necessarily a spiritual thing. You can feed your soul through artistic expression—no matter what medium you choose. Creative expression allows you to free your mind and your spirit of the things that burden you, all while creating something in the process. Try different activities like sculpting, painting, drawing, writing, dancing, or playing a musical instrument. There are many different mediums out there: it’s all about finding what is right for you.

Finally, another alternative to drug and alcohol abuse is maintaining strong friendships. Recovering individuals need a strong support system that keeps them from returning to their old habits. After rehab, the patient may want to distance themselves from toxic relationships and friends that tolerate their substance abuse. They need new relationships that keep them on the right track.

Rebuilding connections that were destroyed by addiction can serve the same purpose. What the patient needs is a solid sense of community: it can come from their friends, family, mentors, sponsors, and other people who have been through a similar journey through addiction.

The journey towards sobriety is not going to be easy. Relapse can happen even after long periods of sobriety. The patient needs to continuously work on staying sober, but with the help of rehab they will be better equipped to do so even on their own.

Long lasting recovery requires hard work and commitment. But if you know what to expect, things are a lot easier to manage.

Treatment is an addicted individualʼs best option if they want to recover. Beating an addiction not only requires eliminating the physical dependence, but also addressing the behavioral factors that prevent them from wanting to get better. Simply quitting may not change the psychological aspect of addiction. Some people quit for a while, and then take drugs again, only to overdose because they did not detox properly. Recovery involves changing the way the patient feels, thinks, and behaves.