Starting inpatient addiction treatment is a brave and important step toward recovery. Whether you’re preparing for your own stay or helping a loved one pack, knowing what to bring to rehab can make the transition smoother and less stressful. At Painted Grove Recovery, we aim to make our clients feel comfortable, supported, and ready to begin healing—and that starts with being prepared.
This guide covers everything you need to know about packing for your stay in our inpatient rehab program in Louisville, KY, including what to bring, what to leave behind, and how to make sure you feel as comfortable and cared for as possible.
When you check into an inpatient rehab program in Louisville, KY, you won’t need to bring everything you own—just the essentials. Packing light and smart can reduce stress and help you feel more at ease as you settle in. Here’s a list of recommended items:
Bring about 7 days’ worth of comfortable, weather-appropriate clothes:
Opt for modest, non-revealing, and logo-free items to avoid distractions and foster a supportive community atmosphere.
Many rehab centers provide basic toiletries, but bringing your own familiar items can make a big difference in comfort. Choose items that are alcohol-free, unopened, and clearly labeled when possible.
Stick to the essentials and skip luxury or heavily fragranced items, which may not be allowed.
Keep these documents in a clearly labeled folder:
Having these on hand helps your admissions process run more smoothly and ensures access to needed care.
You can usually bring prescribed medications, but they must be in their original packaging with proper labeling. All medications will be reviewed at intake and managed by medical staff.
Be sure to check in advance with the admissions team to confirm what is allowed and how to handle this step.
Packing a few personal items can help ease the transition and make your room feel more like home:
These familiar touches can go a long way in supporting emotional well-being during treatment.
One unique benefit of Painted Grove Recovery is that clients can bring snacks and drinks from home. This helps provide comfort, especially during the early stages of treatment when cravings and homesickness may arise.
All items should be presented at intake and approved by staff.
In general, electronics such as phones, tablets, and laptops are not permitted during the early stages of treatment. This policy helps reduce distractions and allows clients to focus on healing without outside interference or triggers.
Supervised use of electronics may be allowed later in the program or during specific phases of recovery. Staying in touch with family is important; Painted Grove Recovery offers designated times for phone calls with loved ones.
Painted Grove Recovery is nicotine-friendly, which is especially important for individuals who may rely on nicotine as they begin managing withdrawal from other substances.
If you smoke, you can bring cigarettes with you. We recommend:
Smoking is typically permitted in designated outdoor areas to protect the comfort and health of all clients. Vapes or other nicotine delivery devices may be allowed with approval.
Recovery continues long after your stay ends. Our aftercare planning helps you stay on track. Whether it’s peer connection, continued therapy, or referrals to helpful community resources, we’ll help you paint a path toward renewal—one step at a time.
There are some things that should be left at home for safety, privacy, and therapeutic reasons. Here’s a list of common items not allowed:
Bringing restricted items can cause delays at intake or require staff to confiscate belongings. If you’re unsure, it’s best to ask before packing. When in doubt, keep it simple and focus on the essentials.
If someone you care about is entering rehab, small comforts and tokens of support can go a long way. These items can lift their spirits and remind them they’re not alone.
Be sure to check with the rehab center before sending items—many programs screen packages for safety and appropriateness.
Preparing for inpatient rehab isn’t just about packing a bag—it’s about taking a meaningful step toward healing. Bringing the right items can help ease stress and create a sense of security during a time of major change.
If you or a loved one is entering treatment, remember: you’re not alone. Painted Grove Recovery in Louisville, KY, is here to walk beside you from day one. Our inpatient rehab program offers the support, structure, and compassion needed to start fresh and stay focused.
When you’re ready to take that step, we’re ready to help you unpack the pain and begin a new path forward—one built on strength, hope, and lasting change. Call 502.842.1425 or connect with us online today.