Pack comfortable clothes, toiletries, your insurance card and ID, a list of current medications, family phone numbers, and a journal or book. Leave valuables, weapons, outside medications, and excess cash at home. Your medical team will manage all prescriptions during detox.
- 1Bring your insurance card, photo ID, and a written list of all current medications and dosages
- 2Pack 5 to 7 days of comfortable, loose-fitting clothes and basic personal toiletries
- 3Leave valuables, weapons, outside medications, vapes, and large amounts of cash at home
- 4Phone policies vary by facility — Surf City Detox allows limited phone use during designated times
- 5The facility provides bedding, towels, meals, hygiene basics, and all medical supplies so you can focus entirely on recovery
If you are getting ready to enter detox, you are about to take one of the bravest steps of your life. It is completely normal to feel nervous about what to expect, and one of the simplest ways to ease that anxiety is knowing exactly what to pack. Having the right items with you helps you feel more comfortable and lets you focus entirely on getting better.
At Surf City Detox in Huntington Beach, California, we walk every client through the admissions process before they arrive. This checklist covers everything you need to know about what to bring, what to leave at home, and what we provide for you.
What to Bring to Detox
Identification and Insurance Documents
These are the most important items on your list. Bring them in a folder or envelope so nothing gets misplaced during intake.
- Valid photo ID such as a driver's license or passport
- Insurance card (front and back)
- Emergency contact information with names, phone numbers, and relationships written down
- List of current medications including the drug name, dosage, prescribing doctor, and how often you take each one
Having your medication list written out saves time during your medical evaluation and helps your care team build an accurate treatment plan from day one.
Comfortable Clothing
You will spend most of your time resting and participating in light therapeutic activities during detox. Pack clothes that feel good and are easy to move in.
- 5 to 7 days of casual clothing — sweatpants, athletic shorts, t-shirts, hoodies
- Comfortable undergarments and socks (more than you think you need)
- A light jacket or sweater for air-conditioned rooms
- Comfortable shoes or sneakers and a pair of sandals or slides
- Sleepwear you find genuinely comfortable
Avoid anything with drawstrings, belts, or strings for safety reasons. Stick to elastic waistbands and slip-on shoes when possible. Leave expensive or sentimental clothing at home.
Personal Toiletries
Most facilities provide the basics, but having your own products helps your stay feel more normal.
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Deodorant
- Shampoo and conditioner (travel-size containers are fine)
- Hairbrush or comb
- Lip balm and basic skincare
Note that items containing alcohol, such as mouthwash or certain hair products, are typically not allowed. Aerosol cans and glass containers are also restricted at most facilities.
Comfort Items
A few small personal items can make a real difference in how settled you feel during detox.
- A journal and pen for writing down thoughts, tracking how you feel, or working through therapeutic exercises
- A book or two to read during downtime
- Photos of loved ones (printed, not on a device)
- A small amount of cash ($20 to $40) for vending machines or incidentals
What NOT to Bring to Detox
These restrictions exist to keep you and every other client safe during treatment.
- Weapons of any kind including knives, pepper spray, or anything that could be used to cause harm
- Outside medications, vitamins, or supplements — your medical team will manage everything
- Drugs, alcohol, or drug paraphernalia
- Valuables such as expensive jewelry, watches, or large amounts of cash
- Vapes, e-cigarettes, cigarettes, or tobacco products
- Aerosol cans, glass containers, or sharp grooming tools like razors with removable blades
If you accidentally bring a restricted item, the admissions team will store it securely or return it to your emergency contact. No one will judge you for it.
Common Questions About What You Can Bring
Can I Bring My Phone?
This is the number one question people ask. Phone policies differ between facilities. At Surf City Detox, clients have access to their phones during designated times so they can check in with family and take care of necessary personal matters. During treatment activities and at night, phones are stored securely.
We strongly recommend bringing a written list of important phone numbers as a backup. During the first 24 to 48 hours, phone access may be limited while your medical team focuses on stabilizing you.
Can I Bring My Vape?
In most detox facilities, the answer is no. Vapes, e-cigarettes, and all tobacco products are not permitted. If you are concerned about nicotine cravings on top of everything else, talk to your medical team during intake. Nicotine replacement therapy such as patches or gum is commonly available and can help you stay comfortable without adding another withdrawal on top of your primary detox.
What About My Prescriptions?
Do not bring loose pills, unlabeled bottles, or medications prescribed to someone else. Instead, bring a detailed written list of every medication you currently take, including over-the-counter supplements. During your medical evaluation, your care team will review every prescription and determine the safest plan. Some medications will continue as prescribed, some may be adjusted, and others may be temporarily replaced with safer alternatives during detox.
Your health and safety are the priority, and your medical team needs full control over your medication regimen to manage withdrawal safely.
What Does Surf City Detox Provide?
You do not need to bring everything. At Surf City Detox, we provide everything you need for a safe and comfortable stay:
- Private or semi-private room with a comfortable bed and fresh linens
- Towels and basic toiletries including soap, shampoo, and lotion
- Three nutritious meals daily plus snacks and beverages
- All medical care, medications, and monitoring equipment
- 24/7 nursing staff and physician oversight
- Therapeutic programming including group sessions and individual check-ins
- Laundry services during your stay
Our facility is steps from Huntington Beach, and we designed every part of the environment to feel calm, safe, and restorative. You are not checking into a hospital. You are entering a place built for healing.
You Are Ready
If you are searching for what to pack for detox, it means you are close to making a decision that will change your life. That takes real courage. Do not let uncertainty about the details hold you back. Pack the essentials, leave the rest, and trust that the team at Surf City Detox will handle everything else.
Call us at (714) 248-9760 for a free, confidential assessment. Our admissions team can answer any packing questions, verify your insurance, and help you start the intake process — often on the same day you call. We are here 24/7.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider for personalized recommendations regarding detox and addiction treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my phone to detox?
Phone policies vary by facility. At Surf City Detox, clients have limited phone access during designated hours to stay connected with family while minimizing distractions. Bringing a written list of important phone numbers is recommended as a backup in case phone access is restricted during the first days.
Can I bring my vape or cigarettes to detox?
Most detox facilities do not allow vapes, e-cigarettes, or smoking products. Nicotine withdrawal can complicate medical detox, so your care team may offer nicotine replacement therapy such as patches or gum to manage cravings during your stay.
What happens to my prescription medications when I go to detox?
Bring a list of all current medications and dosages. Your medical team will review every prescription during intake and determine which medications to continue, adjust, or replace. Do not bring loose pills or unlabeled bottles — all medications must be verified for safety during detox.
What does the detox facility provide?
Surf City Detox provides a private bed with fresh linens, towels, toiletries, three nutritious meals daily, snacks, all medical care and medications, and 24/7 nursing support. You only need to bring personal clothing and a few comfort items.
How do I start the admissions process at Surf City Detox?
Call Surf City Detox at (714) 248-9760 for a free, confidential assessment. Our admissions team can verify your insurance, answer packing questions, and often begin intake the same day you call. We are available 24/7.
Sources & References
This article is based on peer-reviewed research and authoritative medical sources.
- What to Expect During Detoxification — SAMHSA (2024)
- Detoxification and Substance Abuse Treatment (TIP 45) — SAMHSA Treatment Improvement Protocol (2015)
- Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment: A Research-Based Guide — National Institute on Drug Abuse (2018)
Surf City Detox
Surf City Detox Medical Team
