Can You Have a Cell Phone in Rehab?

For many of those seeking treatment, finding a rehab that allows cell phones is a top priority. Having access to a personal cell phone allows you to contact your family and conduct business while in treatment. Some treatment facilities encourage you to do that by implementing no cell phone policies. Limiting your contact with the outside world lets you focus on the healing process. But for some clients, it’s important to stay in touch with friends, family, and colleagues during rehab. If that’s a priority for you, you can compare rehab programs with more flexible technology policies.

Rehab Centers and Cell Phone Policies

Technology use policies differ from rehab to rehab. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most common policies you’ll see at addiction treatment centers:

• Device-free centers strictly prohibit the use of technology. Usually, centers that don’t allow cell phones will keep your loved ones updated on your behalf.
• Flexible technology-use programs let their clients maintain contact with the outside world, but still maintain some boundaries. For instance, you might need to give up your devices for the first few days of treatment. Or you might only have access to your phone during certain hours, or on certain days of the week. 
• Technology-friendly treatment allows nearly unrestricted cell phone and laptop use. Typically, you only have to abstain from using your cell phone in clinical settings. For example, you wouldn’t be allowed to take a call during a therapy session.

For some clients, attending rehab without cell phone access isn’t a realistic option. You might have work or family commitments you just can’t step away from. But that doesn’t have to be a barrier to treatment. Many centers address this need with flexible policies. 

The Pros of Having a Cell Phone During Rehab

Drug and alcohol addiction treatment is a worthwhile but often challenging process. And data shows that social support is important during recovery.¹ If you rely on loved ones for emotional support, staying in touch via phone can make it easier to heal.

You might also need to stay in contact with clients or colleagues. For many high-level executives, rehab is only possible in a center that allows cell phones. Some rehabs, like Capo Canyon, cater to these clients. Private rooms at this center even include a workstation, so you don’t have to take time off work for rehab. 

What’s more, having a sense of purpose reduces your risk of future drug use.² If you find your career fulfilling, technology can have a positive impact on treatment. But if work is mainly a source of stress, you might consider a rehab with a stricter tech policy.