What to Bring to Treatment

Going to a residential treatment center for the first time can be stressful, and one thing that adds to the stress is not knowing what to pack for your stay. Below is a list of things you’ll want with you at JourneyPure Emerald Coast in Panama City Beach in order to feel more comfortable and to get the most out of your time with us.

Personal Items

• Don’t leave home without your photo ID and insurance cards. You’ll also want to bring some cash for outings (no more than $50).
• With help from the overnight staff, the residential houses all wake up at the same time, so no alarm clock is needed.
• Weapons of any kind are prohibited.
• Expensive pieces of jewelry, including watches, are best left at home. (Wedding rings are an exception of course.)
• Photos of loved ones are highly recommended, but, please, no glass frames.
• No pets allowed, not even tiny dogs.

Clothing

While treatment is typically scheduled to last 30 days, drawer and closet space for our clients might be more limited than they’re used to. Recovery requires few costume changes. Pack like you’re going away for two weeks and you should be good.

It’s important our clients remember that they shouldn’t be trying to impress anyone and that the majority of their waking recovery time will be spent either in individual and group therapy, which means lots of listening, talking, and sitting. Or they’re involved in certain experiential therapies that we offer.

Either way, it’s important that you dress for ultimate comfort, like sweaters, sweatpants, t-shirts, jeans, that sort of stuff. Also, be sure to pack a pair of boots or shoes that you can get dirty, for our outdoor activities. Flip-flops or shower shoes are also a good idea. Aside from bedtime, shoes must always be worn, so make sure you’ve got your most comfortable footwear.

Workout clothes might be something to pack, since you may feel more energetic after a couple of weeks of sobriety, and our experiential therapy treatments have been known to increase client motivation. You also might want to throw in one relatively dressy outfit, for when loved ones visit.

Panama City Beach is typically either warm or hot all year round, so make sure to take notice of the weather and pack accordingly.

Medications

Prescription drugs are of course allowed, so long as they don’t interfere with your recovery. Be sure you’ve got enough for your first 30 days and that it’s in the original pharmacy bottle with the information label intact. If you don’t have enough for the next 30 days, try to make arrangements with a friend or loved one to bring them to you at some point. To that end, a list of your prescribed medications, and their dosages is recommended. Non-prescription and illegal drugs are absolutely prohibited.

Toiletries

While you’re not coming to JourneyPure Emerald Coast to win any beauty contests, we recognize that it’s nice to at least feel comfortable with your appearance while you’re here. Toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, body wash, deodorant, all the usual toiletries are allowed, so long as they’re not in glass or breakable containers. Razors are okay. Makeup is also allowed, though aerosol cans, powders, and perfumes are prohibited. No hand sanitizer or mouthwash with alcohol, either.

Bedding

Despite the fact that scheduled activities at JourneyPure Emerald Coast start bright and early, regular quality sleep is highly valued and therapy sessions can be draining. Don’t forget any favorite pillows, blankets, or stuffed animals.

Entertainment

Tablets and smartphones are allowed during designated “tech times,” so pack them if you want, along with any chargers needed. However, TVs, beepers, MP3 players, radios and video games are all prohibited, so leave them at home.

Books and magazines are encouraged since you’ll soon find yourself with enough downtime to catch up on reading. A personal journal is also a good idea, as you may want to communicate any and all thoughts, feelings, and recollections during this fraught, interesting time.