Charles River Recovery
Struggling with substance use and wondering where to begin? Detox inpatient rehab may be your first and most important step toward lasting recovery. This level of care provides 24/7 medical supervision, a safe and structured environment, and expert support to help you manage withdrawal symptoms and start healing, physically, mentally, and emotionally. In this guide, … Read more
Inpatient facilities provide comprehensive, 24/7 care for those suffering from severe mental health issues and substance use disorders. In this article, you’ll learn about the different types of inpatient facilities, the broad range of treatments they offer, and how these environments support effective recovery. Key Takeaways Inpatient care is essential for treating severe mental health … Read more
Confused by myths about alcohol abuse? This article debunks common misconceptions and provides clear facts to help you understand the reality of alcohol abuse. Read on to separate fact from fiction. Key Takeaways Moderate drinking can pose risks, and social drinkers are not exempt from developing alcohol-related problems. Tolerance to alcohol does not protect against … Read more
Alcoholism significantly alters brain function, causing both short-term impairments and lasting brain damage. It disrupts the brain’s communication pathways, interferes with information processing, and can lead to chronic neurological disorders over time. Young people face particular risks, as alcohol use can affect the developing brain, leading to problems with memory, learning, and emotional regulation. In … Read more
What leads people to consume alcohol? In this post, we will explore the major factors that drive alcohol use, including psychological struggles, social influences, genetic predispositions, and environmental triggers. Understanding these underlying causes is key to recognizing patterns of misuse and finding healthier ways to cope. By shedding light on why people drink, we can … Read more
Can alcoholics ever drink again? Usually not. The risk of relapse is significant. This article delves into why complete sobriety is crucial and the challenges of moderate drinking for alcoholics. Key Takeaways For most recovering alcoholics, attempting to drink again poses significant risks and can lead to relapse. Complete abstinence is generally recommended as the … Read more
If you’ve been prescribed both gabapentin and opioids for pain management, you may be wondering: Is it safe to take them together? The short answer is — only under strict medical supervision. While each medication is effective on its own, combining them significantly increases the risk of serious breathing problems, excessive sedation, and opioid-related death. … Read more
Understanding the Connection Schizophrenia is a chronic and often misunderstood mental health disorder that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. While the exact cause of schizophrenia remains unknown, researchers have long debated whether environmental factors, such as drug abuse, can trigger or worsen this condition. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health … Read more
Mixing opioids and alcohol is a dangerous combination that can have severe consequences. While each substance poses risks on its own, the effects of combining them can be exponentially more harmful. In this article, we will cover the dangers of mixing opioids and alcohol and the long-term health effects. Understanding these risks is crucial for … Read more
Understanding Risks and Side Effects Benzodiazepines, commonly referred to as benzos, are considered a class of highly addictive drugs. When prescribed, benzodiazepines are used under medical supervision; they’re typically used to treat insomnia and anxiety. They’re also known for their calming effect, which makes them effective as sleeping pills and sedatives. However, some people misuse … Read more
Dr. Salah Alrakawi brings over 30 years of expertise in clinical medicine, academia, and administration. He is dual board-certified in Internal Medicine and Addiction Medicine, reflecting his deep commitment to providing comprehensive, patient-centered care.
Currently serving as the Medical Director at Charles River Recovery, Dr. Alrakawi also holds roles as an Attending Physician in the Department of General Internal Medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Atrius Health, and the Massachusetts Alcohol and Substance Abuse Center (MASAC). His multifaceted work underscores his dedication to advancing both the treatment of addiction and general internal medicine.
Dr. Alrakawi earned his medical degree from Damascus University and completed his Internal Medicine residency at Woodhull Medical Center. He is also a valued member of the teaching faculty at Harvard Medical School, where he helps shape the next generation of physicians.
Throughout his career, Dr. Alrakawi has been recognized with numerous awards and honors from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Tufts University School of Medicine, Tufts Medical Center, Lemuel Shattuck Hospital, and Brigham and Women’s Hospital, highlighting his contributions to public health, education, and patient care.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Dr. Alrakawi is an avid traveler who enjoys hiking, playing soccer, and immersing himself in diverse cultures around the world.
Steven Barry holds a B.A. in Economics from Bates College with extensive professional experience in both financial and municipal management. In his role as Director of Outreach, Steve leads the Charles River team in fostering relationships across the recovery community, local cities and towns, labor partners, and serving as a general resource for anyone seeking help.
Steve’s Charles River Why – “Anything I have ever done in my professional career has been rooted in helping people. There is no more direct correlate to that end than assisting people find their path to reclaim their life from the grips of addiction”.
