Drug and alcohol detox is the first stop on your journey to sobriety. You may not know what to expect, which often means not knowing what to bring with you. Every detox center has its guidelines on what is and isn’t allowed. Still, there are some general items that you should plan to bring whether you’re heading to Pines Recovery Life Detox in South Florida or another facility.
What to Bring to Drug and Alcohol Detox
Do you have a few comfort items that you can’t imagine living without? Many detox programs will allow you to bring at least one or two personal items like a comforting blanket or picture of a loved one. If you aren’t sure about bringing comfort items to Detox, ask your contact at the facility.
So, what should you pack when heading to Detox? We have a few suggestions that should fill up your travel bag or suitcase. We recommend you communicate with the facility to see if additional items you will need or are permitted to bring.
- Clothing – You will need clean clothing for at least five to seven days. Make sure you pack items suitable for the climate. For instance, if you’re attending drug and alcohol detox here in South Florida, you should pack light clothing suitable for enjoying the fresh air in our warm climate. We do have some chilly evenings—if you consider 60s chilly—so slip a jacket in your bag as well.
- Comfortable Footwear – Shoes that are easy to slip on and off will allow you to move around the detox facility safely and without wasting energy on shoelaces. You may also want to pack athletic shoes if you plan on taking walks or participating in other activities outdoors. You may also want to pack slippers.
- Toiletries – Detox facilities do provide basic supplies like toilet paper, but you may want to bring your toothpaste, deodorant, and other basic toiletries and grooming products. Keep in mind that products containing ethanol and alcohol are typically not allowed in detox programs. Razors are likely not permitted either.
- Prescription Medication – If you take prescription medication, tell someone during the detox intake process. You will need to bring all medication in the original bottle or package, displaying your name, dose, prescribing doctor, and other information.
- Over-the-Counter Medication – If you need over-the-counter medication for allergies or other medical concerns, talk to your intake specialist when you arrive. Some medications are allowed at most programs as long as they are in an unopened package when you arrive. Talk to someone at your detox facility if you want to bring medication for headaches or other physical symptoms that may result from the detox process.


What Not to Bring to Drug and Alcohol Detox
There are a few things that you should not under any circumstances, bring to a detox program:
- Electronic Devices – Most detox programs require an intense focus on the recovery process. The goal is to eliminate distractions and keep your mind tuned to positive changes that will help you embrace a life of sobriety.
- Intoxicants – Don’t bring any product that contains alcohol or other potentially intoxicating ingredients.
- Offensive Material – Anything that someone else could potentially find offensive or troubling should stay at home. Something as simple as a t-shirt may become a trigger or point of conflict when you’re in a group living environment with people you don’t know well.
Contact Pines Recovery Life Detox Today
The goal of every professional at Pines Recovery Life Detox is to help patients smoothly transition from the mindset of substance use to the mindset of successful sobriety. We know that detoxing is different for people with varying substance misuse problems, so we provide a variety of detox programs, including:
- Alcohol detox
- Benzo detox
- Heroin detox
- Suboxone detox
If you need to cleanse your body of a harmful substance, we likely have a drug and alcohol detox program that fits your needs. Contact us today at 800.263.3869 to learn more.