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Your Source for Insightful Articles on Addiction, Recovery, and Wellness. We offer resources for those seeking guidance on overcoming addiction and achieving lasting recovery. Our blog features evidence-based treatments, personal triumphs, expert self-care advice, relapse prevention, and the latest in addiction research.
Charles River Recovery treatment center building with landscaped entrance, symbolizing support for addiction recovery.
Effective Rehab for Opioids: Finding the Right Treatment Program
Group therapy session in a bright room, featuring a facilitator speaking to participants, promoting support and recovery in a detox inpatient rehab program.
Top Detox Inpatient Rehab Programs: Your Path to Recovery
Woman lying on a couch, appearing distressed, with a bottle of medication nearby, representing challenges faced during recovery from substance use disorders.
Top Inpatient Facilities for Comprehensive Care
Woman sitting by window holding a green beer bottle, reflecting on the impact of genetics and environment on alcohol use disorder.
10 Common Myths About Alcohol Abuse: Separating Fact from Fiction
Man sitting on a couch holding a glass of dark liquid, appearing distressed, illustrating the emotional impact of alcoholism on mental health and cognitive function.
The Impact of Alcoholism Effects on Brain Health
Woman holding painkillers near a glass of red wine, illustrating the risks of mixing alcohol with medications.
Top Causes of Alcohol Consumption: Insight Into Risk Factors
Man with a distressed expression, experiencing visual distortion, symbolizing the mental health effects of benzodiazepines and their potential link to psychosis.

Can Benzos Cause Psychosis?

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

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Man in therapy session relaxing on couch while therapist takes notes on clipboard, representing addiction treatment and recovery services.

Opiate Withdrawal Symptoms

Signs, Relief, and Treatment Options Opiate withdrawal symptoms can be tough to handle when you stop or cut down on opiates. Generally, symptoms like anxiety, muscle aches, and nausea can

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Two women seated on a couch, one older with gray hair comforting a younger woman who appears distressed, in a cozy living room setting, reflecting themes of emotional support and recovery in addiction treatment.

Compulsive vs Impulsive

A Guide to Recognizing and Managing Behaviors Do you ever wonder what sets compulsive behaviors apart from impulsive ones? When we compare compulsive vs impulsive behaviors, the key difference is

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Woman sitting on a couch, holding her head in distress, wrapped in a blanket, illustrating symptoms of benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome.

Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Syndrome

Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options Benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome happens when you reduce or stop taking benzodiazepines after developing dependence. It can cause anxiety, insomnia, and physical discomfort. Understanding these symptoms

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MRI scans of the brain illustrating potential effects of benzodiazepine use, relevant to discussions on dementia risks and addiction treatment.

Can Benzos Cause Dementia?

Understanding the Risks and Implications Benzodiazepines, commonly referred to as benzos, are a class of medications prescribed for anxiety, seizures, and insomnia. While these drugs can be effective in the

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Man experiencing discomfort and anxiety, reflecting symptoms of benzodiazepine withdrawal, in a casual indoor setting.

Benzo Withdrawal Symptoms

What to Expect and How to Cope Benzo withdrawal symptoms can be tough. This article will guide you through the common symptoms, their timeline, and coping tips. Key Takeaways Benzodiazepine

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Person sitting on the floor, injecting a substance into their arm, illustrating the struggles of addiction and substance use disorders.

What Is Addiction

Definitions, Symptoms, and Treatment Options Addiction is a chronic disorder marked by compulsive substance use despite harmful effects. It impacts health, relationships, and daily functioning. This article outlines what is

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Young woman sitting by a window holding a green beer bottle, reflecting on her relationship with alcohol in the context of addiction and recovery.

Is Alcoholism Genetic?

Understanding the Influence of Heredity on Alcohol Use Is alcoholism genetic? Studies 1 confirm that genetics significantly impacts the likelihood of developing alcohol use disorder. This article will explain the

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Dr. Salah Alrakawi

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

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”. 

Jillian Martin
Jillian Martin, the Director of Clinical Services, brings over 15 years of experience in behavioral healthcare and more than a decade in national executive clinical leadership. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Science from Concordia College in Bronxville, NY, combining psychology and sociology, and a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from Eastern Nazarene College. Licensed as an LADC I and LMHC, she is also EMDR-trained. Her diverse background spans patient care in various settings, including inpatient treatment for underserved populations, utilizing an eclectic approach and innovative therapies to enhance patient experiences across levels of care. Jillian enjoys planning adventures, living life to the fullest, and spending quality time with her son.