What to Bring to Treatment

Preparing for Rehab: What to Handle Before You Go

At Virtue At The Pointe, we understand that change is difficult, and leaving one’s familiar place can be scary. We know that many people have anxiety about their responsibilities. Therefore, please consider taking care of the necessities the best you can to minimize any added stress.

Before leaving for our drug and alcohol treatment center in Oregon, it is often suggested to take care of responsibilities at home such as:

• Arrange for pet and childcare.
• Set up automatic bill payments.
• Arrange with work or school for a leave of absence.
• Let someone you trust have availability to passwords for finances and other items you may need or want to check upon.
• If you feel comfortable- let family or friends know where you are or let someone know you will be away for a while and that you are safe.

What to Know About Communication, Work, and Rehab

Some people may not realize that once admitted to an inpatient treatment center, normal communication is not allowed. The stay will be an intensive concentration on self, not the outside world. However, there are some exceptions, especially when someone entering our drug and alcohol rehab in Astoria has young children.

Many people have had some hesitancy talking to their work about leaving for drug and alcohol rehab. For people who are worrying about employers: The ADA, or the Americans with Disabilities Act, protects employees from employers who may be discriminatory towards them if they seek or have been treated in drug, alcohol, or dual diagnosis treatment programs. Under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), it allows employees to take up to twelve weeks off work per year for medical necessities, including substance addiction.

Preparing for rehab can increase your chances of short-term comfort and long-term success.

What to Pack

Staying for a month means packing one suitcase and one toiletry bag. Any more than this can be excessive and not needed as there are laundry facilities on site. Most clothing should be comfortable, with one or two items to attend outside meetings in, and shoes for activities such as walking, hiking, and some light workouts.

Items to be sure to include:

• ID or Driver’s license
• Insurance information
• Past medical records
• Alarm clock
• Toiletries (no excessive make-up, perfumes, etc. as some house members may be sensitive)
• List of current medications
• List of phone numbers (as you may not be able to use your phone)
• A few books
• Ask admissions if you play music would it be appropriate to bring your instrument.
• A small amount of cash
• Appropriate clothing (nothing too revealing, nothing with any offensive slogans, nothing with alcohol or drug-related artwork or branding

What to Leave at Home

Check with Admissions before bringing some items: Electronic devices, nail clippers, razors, cigarettes, chewing tobacco. If you have anxiety about using your communication devices, please address this upfront with your phone and computer usage questions before attending.

Leave any expensive items at home, or if you admit with anything that you feel may need to be kept safe, please speak to the program director or staff to arrange for being on hold while in residence.

Our Astoria Inpatient Addiction Treatment Center

At our inpatient treatment center in Astoria, Oregon, we know that taking the first step toward recovery takes courage. That’s why we’ve created a setting that feels safe, calm, and welcoming—surrounded by the lush landscapes of the Pacific Northwest. Virtue At The Pointe is a place where you can focus on healing without outside pressures.

From detox through therapy and aftercare planning, you’ll be supported by licensed professionals every step of the way. We offer trauma-informed care, mental health support, and a full schedule of therapeutic activities—all grounded in evidence-based practices.

Treatment here isn’t one-size-fits-all. Your care plan is built around your needs, your goals, and your story. We prioritize individualized attention, peer connection, and emotional safety.

What you pack for rehab matters—not just for comfort, but for confidence. Bringing the right essentials helps you settle in quicker and feel ready to start fresh.

Our Milwaukie Outpatient Addiction Treatment Center

Virtue At The Pointe’s outpatient center in Milwaukie, Oregon is designed to support your recovery while you continue showing up for your everyday life. Whether you’re stepping down from residential treatment or starting here for added support, our Partial Hospitalization (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) meet you where you are.

Here, you’ll receive personalized care that includes individual therapy, group counseling, and relapse prevention education—all tailored to your goals. Our programs are rooted in evidence-based practices and delivered in a setting that encourages trust and progress.

With flexible scheduling and a convenient location just outside Portland, you can build your recovery into your routine without sacrificing quality or depth of care. This structure allows you to heal while still honoring work, school, or family commitments.

Preparing for outpatient treatment doesn’t require an overnight bag—but it does require the right mindset. Come as you are, and bring a willingness to grow.

Astoria Oregon Weather

In Astoria, the summer months are comfortable and are usually partly cloudy. If you are admitted to Virtue Recovery drug and alcohol rehab in Astoria in the Winter, be sure to take a jacket. The winters can be cold and wet. The average temperature for the area ranges from 39 degrees to 69 degrees and does not commonly get higher than 78. Sweaters, jackets, and layered clothing would be the best to pack. An umbrella and rain gear are also recommended for most of the months in Oregon.

What Happens if You Have Nothing to Pack?

Sometimes people need admittance to drug rehab in Astoria right away and don’t have time to pack or might not have anything. Fortunately, treatment centers realize this and will most likely have some basic clothing and toiletries that may have been donated. There will be opportunities for shopping days, and a staff member can help you get what is needed. Before arrival, let the admittance counselor know what you may need, and they will do their best to assist you.