Charles River 
How Long Does It Take to Develop an Opioid Addiction? By now, it’s no secret that opioid use, especially fentanyl, over the short can lead to a potentially life-threatening addiction. However, the length of time it takes to become addicted to opioids varies from person to person and depends on dosage levels and the frequency … Read more
How Do Opioids Make You Addicted? Opioid addiction is a growing problem in the United States, both on a national level and in individual lives. In 2017, nearly 68% of all drug overdose deaths were related to opioids, which amounts to over 70,000 people in one year in the U.S. Opioid addiction affects people in … Read more
Building a Strong Support System: Essential Guidance for Detox and Recovery A strong support system plays a very important role in what is often the first step of a sobriety journey, the detox. Help from loved ones and health professionals is a crucial component of the beginning of recovery. Are you hoping to detox from drugs … Read more
Redefining Relapse: Embracing Growth and Resilience in Your Recovery Journey Overcoming a relapse can be done by understanding this is just one setback in your recovery journey. After going through detox and treatment for an alcohol use disorder, it is common to see a relapse as a failure. You may feel that you have let … Read more
Alcohol misuse is a major problem in the United States and worldwide, and many people choose to self-detox from alcohol at home. While this may seem like an effortless way to address alcoholism, the dangers of at-home alcohol detox can be serious and potentially life-threatening. At-home alcohol detox has several serious risks associated with it. … Read more
Unlocking Freedom from Alcohol Addiction: The Benefits of Professional Alcohol Detox Management Alcohol detoxification is the first critical step for anyone suffering from an alcohol use disorder. Professional alcohol detox provides an individual with medical and psychological support to safely and effectively manage the physical and psychological symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. This support can be invaluable … Read more
Safely Managing Alcohol Withdrawal: Importance of Professional Treatment and Support Alcohol withdrawal is a condition that can develop when a person who has been drinking alcohol heavily suddenly stops alcohol consumption. Alcohol withdrawal can be severe and even life-threatening if not properly treated. The most common symptoms of alcohol withdrawal include increased heart rate, blood … Read more
75 Norumbega Rd, Weston, MA 02493
Admissions: (844) 441-0455
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”.