Knowing what to pack before entering treatment can help you feel more prepared and comfortable on your first day. EOSIS provides a packing list for residential and detoxification programs, with specific guidelines for clothing, hygiene products, tobacco and nicotine products, food, activities, medications, and personal funds.
The number of clothing items you should bring depends on whether you are entering residential treatment or detox. Some items are permitted only under specific conditions, so review the guidelines below before packing.
What clothing should I bring to treatment?
EOSIS recommends packing the following amount of clothing:
- Residential treatment: Seven outfits, including pajamas.
- Detox: Four outfits, including pajamas.
For footwear, residential patients may bring no more than two pairs of shoes and one pair of shower shoes. For detox, EOSIS recommends bringing no more than one pair of shoes and one pair of shower shoes.
Clothing and bandanas displaying substance-related or gang imagery are not permitted. This includes graphics related to bars, casinos, swearing, or similar imagery.
Please follow these limits when packing. Extra clothing and shoes may be sent home or stored until discharge.
Can I bring toiletries to treatment?
Yes. EOSIS permits the following alcohol-free hygiene items:
- Mouthwash
- Toothpaste and toothbrush
- Lotion
- Deodorant
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Shaving cream and a razor
Be sure to choose alcohol-free hygiene products. If you have questions about a specific product, contact your facility before bringing it.
Can I bring tobacco or nicotine products?
EOSIS permits certain tobacco and nicotine products under specific conditions. The approved items listed in the EOSIS packing guidelines include:
- Cigarettes in sealed packaging.
- Disposable nicotine vapes that are non-rechargeable and non-refillable, in sealed, unopened packaging. Examples listed include Loon and Geek Bar.
- Zyn or other nicotine pouches.
- Nicotine gum, patches, or lozenges with a provider’s order.
Loose-leaf rolling tobacco is not permitted in detoxification settings.
Because product restrictions can be specific, check with your treatment facility if you have questions about a particular product. Do not assume that an item is permitted simply because it contains nicotine.
Can I bring food and drinks?
Food and drink rules differ between residential treatment and detox.
At residential programs: You may bring up to two grocery bags of food at a time. Food must be nonperishable, unopened, and in factory packaging.
The following items are not permitted:
- Protein shakes
- Instant coffee
- Canned coffee
- Energy drinks
At detox programs: Outside food and drinks are not permitted.
If you have dietary concerns or questions about a specific food item, ask the facility before bringing it.
Can I bring books, headphones, or activities?
Yes. The EOSIS packing list identifies several activities and personal items that may be brought to treatment, including:
- Headphones
- MP3 players without internet access or a camera, provided the device is preloaded with music
- Books
- Personal journals
- Coloring books
- Pencils and crayons
- Puzzles
These items can provide opportunities for reflection, relaxation, and personal activities outside scheduled treatment sessions. Keep in mind that any item may be removed if it is misused or interferes with treatment.
Can I bring prescription medications?
Bring your medication information to the admissions process and discuss all prescriptions with the treatment team before arriving.
According to the EOSIS packing list, prescription medications must be in their original bottles and have been filled within the past 90 days. Medical marijuana is not permitted.
Controlled medications have additional requirements. Outside detoxification programs, these medications may be continued with a signed release of information for the prescribing provider and the provider’s statement of medical necessity. Detoxification programs have an exception to this stated process, so medication arrangements must be reviewed directly with the detox team.
Do not stop or change prescribed medication on your own before admission. Contact EOSIS in advance so the clinical team can explain how your medications will be evaluated and managed.
How much money should I bring?
EOSIS strongly encourages patients not to have more than $50 at a time while participating in programming.
If you have more than $50, the additional funds may be stored in the facility safe in a sealed envelope signed by you and a staff witness.
For questions about managing money or other personal belongings during treatment, contact your facility before admission.
What if I bring something that is not allowed?
EOSIS may remove any item that is misused or interferes with treatment. Items that exceed clothing or footwear limits may be sent home or stored until discharge.
EOSIS also has a policy for abandoned property. Items are retained for 30 calendar days; after that period, the facility is no longer responsible for the property and it will be disposed of.
The easiest way to avoid packing problems is to review the official EOSIS Packing List for Residential and Detoxification Programs before you arrive.
What About Phones, Visitors, Mail, and Packages?
The EOSIS packing list identifies permitted activities and personal belongings, but it does not establish universal phone access, visiting hours, or mail and package rules.
These policies may differ by facility and program. Before admission, ask your EOSIS contact:
- Whether you can bring and use your personal cell phone.
- Whether video calls or scheduled calls home are available.
- When family members can visit and whether children may visit.
- Whether letters and packages are accepted.
- Whether visitors can bring approved items.
- Whether any additional restrictions apply to your program.
If you have children, caregiving responsibilities, or other important family commitments, share those concerns during admission so you can understand the available communication arrangements.
Get Ready for Treatment at EOSIS
Preparing for treatment involves more than packing a bag. It is also an opportunity to ask questions, understand your program’s expectations, and make arrangements for work, family, and other responsibilities.
EOSIS offers detox, residential treatment, outpatient services, and specialized programs across Minnesota. The admissions team can help you understand your options and prepare for your first day.
Call 952-843-4149 to speak with the EOSIS admissions team.
You do not need to have every detail figured out before reaching out. Asking questions and knowing what to expect can help make the transition into treatment more manageable.
