What You Can and Can’t Bring to Treatment

Generally speaking there are several ‘does’ and ‘don’ts’ when packing for treatment. Every teenager is different, as is every treatment facility.

Each treatment facility will have a detailed list of items that are recommended as well as items that are prohibited. Every young person will have different needs in terms of items that they may need to help to create a sense of comfort. Some young people may be particularly attached to a certain pillow, or blanket, for example. In many cases, those types of items are welcomed at treatment. Others may have a particular book, or music that they find comforting. These items may be slightly trickier, as it is imperative to make sure that the items that are brought to treatment do not act as triggers.

Stripping the items down to a basic level, an adolescent that is preparing for treatment should think about what might be needed to reside away from home for one week. Proper clothing, toiletries, identification, an appropriate amount of money and/or credit card and contact information for loved ones should all be included on one’s packing list. Here is a simple guide to make sure you have packed properly and will have all you need for your stay at a treatment facility during your recovery process.

Do Bring

Participating in a residential treatment program requires a teen to live on site. This means that for the duration of the treatment program, the young person must learn to make the treatment center their home. There are several items that are essential for teenagers to bring with them to treatment. Some of the recommended items include the following:

• Identifying information (i.e. driver’s license)
• Clothing
• Appropriate sleepwear
• Bathing suit
• Workout attire
• Toiletries
• Books
• Journal and writing utensil
• Prescribed medications
• Photos of family members and/or friends
• School work, if needed
• Cell phone (if permitted)

Every adolescent is different and may require different items to help make the treatment center feel more comfortable and homey. Many treatment facilities will have many amenities to help its residents feel at home during their stay at treatment. However, some of the items that a teen may want to bring with them to treatment might not be allowed.

Do Not Bring

While each treatment facility is different, the following items are the most commonly prohibited items:

• Weapons of any kind
• Drugs
• Alcohol
• Pets
• Drug paraphernalia
• Household furnishing and/or appliances
• Items of excessive value
• Toiletries that contain alcohol
• Aerosol products
• Cleaning supplies
• Inappropriate clothing
• Candles and incense
• Books or magazines that are pro-drug use

Treatment is a place for a young person to learn healthy habits and establish positive patterns to help with one’s continued recovery. Adhering to the rules and making sure to only bring what is acceptable and allowed is essential. It sets the tone for a teenager to begin treatment by respecting boundaries and setting oneself up for success.

Specifically, at Pacific Teen Treatment each of our recommended packing items as well as the list of prohibited items was carefully and thoughtfully put together. We want our clients to have the most successful experience possible during their stay at Pacific Teen Treatment. We have many amenities at our facility to ensure your comfort through the duration of your stay. If you have any questions regarding what you can and cannot bring to Pacific Teen Treatment, please feel free to reach out at any time.

For Information and Support

Seeking help is never easy, but you are not alone! If you or someone you know is in need of mental health treatment, we strongly encourage you to reach out for help as quickly as possible. It is not uncommon for many mental health difficulties to impact an individual for the long term. The earlier you seek support, the sooner you and your loved ones can return to happy, healthy and fulfilling lives.

Our admissions team is available to answer any general questions regarding mental health issues, treatment, and/or specific questions about the program at Pacific Teen Treatment and how we might be able to help your family.