Residential eating disorder treatment involves temporarily living at a facility to receive intensive, 24-hour care for conditions like anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa. Preparing for this transition can feel overwhelming, especially when trying to determine what to pack for an extended stay away from home. The packing guidelines for these facilities are often strictly enforced, designed to protect the safety of all residents and maintain a focused therapeutic environment. This guide offers an overview of items allowed and prohibited.
Essential Documents and Personal Care Items
Admission requires certain non-negotiable documents. A government-issued photo identification, such as a driver’s license or passport, is required for verification. Patients must also bring their health insurance card and any necessary financial information related to co-pays or deductibles. A list of current healthcare providers, including their names and contact information, should be prepared for the treatment team.
Any medications currently prescribed must be brought in their original containers with the pharmacy labels intact. Staff will secure and administer these medications, including over-the-counter supplements approved by the medical team. Personal hygiene products are generally allowed, but strict rules are in place to remove potential safety hazards. All toiletries must be non-aerosol and non-alcohol-based, which means certain mouthwashes, perfumes, and hand sanitizers are typically prohibited.
Products like shampoo, conditioner, soap, and toothpaste should ideally be in plastic containers, as glass items are often banned due to the risk of breakage. Feminine hygiene products are necessary, and contact lens solution or prescription skincare items should be included if applicable. Many facilities provide basic hygiene supplies upon arrival.
Permissible Clothing and Comfort Items
The clothing brought to residential treatment should prioritize comfort, modesty, and functionality. It is advisable to pack comfortable, loose-fitting clothes, such as sweatpants, t-shirts, and sweaters. Layers are recommended, as treatment centers are often temperature-controlled and activity levels can vary throughout the day. A supply sufficient for a week is usually adequate, given that laundry facilities are typically available on-site.
Clothing that is overly tight, revealing, or that promotes body checking is generally restricted. This restriction often includes items like midriff-baring tops, very short skirts or shorts, and sometimes even leggings or clothing with drawstrings, which can pose a safety risk. Additionally, clothing with logos or messages related to diet culture, alcohol, drugs, or violence are strictly prohibited to avoid creating a triggering environment for patients. Comfort items help personalize the space and provide healthy distraction during downtime.
A journal and writing materials, such as pens and colored pencils, are highly encouraged. You may bring a small number of personal photographs of loved ones to offer emotional support, though frames must not contain glass. Some facilities permit a small, comforting item like a favorite book (if the content is recovery-safe), a stuffed animal, or a personal blanket.
Items Strictly Prohibited in Treatment Centers
The list of prohibited items is extensive and designed to eliminate all potential means of self-harm, compensatory behaviors, or distractions from the therapeutic process. Any object considered a sharp, including razors, scissors, tweezers, knitting needles, and wire-bound notebooks, is universally banned. In place of personal razors, facilities may provide electric shavers or allow depilatory creams like Nair. Items that can be used for ligatures, such as belts, shoelaces, long cords, and clothing with removable drawstrings, are also often prohibited or modified upon arrival.
Outside food, supplements, protein powders, and unapproved vitamins are banned because they interfere with the meal plan and nutritional rehabilitation. This prohibition extends to any substances that could be abused, including alcohol, illicit drugs, and products containing alcohol, such as certain hand sanitizers or mouthwash. Even non-prescription herbal remedies and over-the-counter medications are subject to review and must be approved by the medical team before use.
Electronics are restricted, as they can hinder engagement and compromise privacy within the community. Cell phones, laptops, smartwatches, and tablets are typically confiscated upon admission or their use is heavily restricted to designated times. Media that could reinforce disordered thoughts, such as magazines, books, or movies related to dieting, excessive exercise, or cooking, are also screened or prohibited. Valuables like expensive jewelry or large amounts of cash should be left at home, as the facility is generally not responsible for lost or stolen items.
Preparing and Packing Logistics
Before packing a single item, contact the specific residential facility’s admissions team and request their packing list. Treatment centers have slight variations in their rules, especially concerning comfort items, electronics, and specific clothing types like leggings. Verifying these details beforehand prevents having to discard or send items home immediately upon arrival.
Most facilities impose limits on the size and number of bags allowed, often restricting belongings to one or two medium suitcases. Upon arrival, all bags and personal belongings will be thoroughly searched by staff members to ensure compliance with the safety and prohibited items list. Any items deemed inappropriate will be secured until discharge or sent home with the accompanying family member.