About us

About Charles River Recovery

At Charles River Recovery, we help people reclaim their lives from substance use and co-occurring mental health challenges. Our campus in Weston, Massachusetts, was designed for one purpose: to deliver safe, compassionate, evidence-based care, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. From your first phone call to your first steps back home, our team meets you with respect, experience, and a clear plan forward.

75 Norumbega Rd, Weston, MA 02493

Our Mission

We exist to make high-quality addiction treatment accessible, effective, and personalized. Recovery should feel human and hopeful, not confusing. We combine medical expertise with practical support so you can focus on healing-one decision, one day at a time.

Specialized Tracks

Veterans & Active Duty

Trauma-informed care, coordination with VA/community providers, and support that honors military culture.

Union Members

Confidential access, schedule-conscious programming, and support for returning to work safely.

Who We Help & Levels of Care

Medical Detox (Inpatient)

24/7 medical supervision to manage withdrawal safely and comfortably with evidence-based protocols.

No two recoveries look the same. That’s why we offer a full continuum of care and help you transition at the right pace.

Clinical Stabilization Services (Residential/CSS)

A focused residential step that builds structure, coping skills, and momentum after detox.

Day Treatment (PHP)

Intensive daytime programming with medical and psychiatric support; return to a supportive home or sober living at night.

Evening Intensive Outpatient (IOP)

Three to four evenings per week for therapy, skills, and accountability-ideal for work or family schedules.

Dual-Diagnosis Care

Integrated treatment for substance use and co-occurring conditions like anxiety, depression, and trauma.

Mental Health Outpatient (PHP & IOP)

Psychiatry-led care for depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar and related conditions; CBT/DBT groups, individual therapy, and medication management.

How Care Works Here

From day one, you’ll have a clear plan and a team that knows your story.

Thorough Assessment

Medical, psychiatric, and psychosocial evaluations inform the development of an individualized plan.

Evidence-Based Therapies

CBT, DBT-informed groups, relapse-prevention training, motivational interviewing, family support, and more.

Medication Management & MAT (as appropriate)

Board-certified physicians and nurses manage medications to support withdrawal, reduce cravings, and stabilize mental health.

Whole-Person Focus

We address sleep, nutrition, movement, community, and purpose-because recovery touches every part of life.

Step-Down Support

As you progress, we coordinate the next level of care and aftercare resources to ensure you never feel like you’re starting over.

Our Facility

Our Weston campus is modern, comfortable, and designed to help you feel safe and cared for. Thoughtful common spaces encourage connection; quiet areas support rest and reflection. We’re minutes from I-90 and I-95, making access simple for families across Greater Boston and New England.

Insurance & Admissions

We work with most major insurance plans and offer fast, confidential benefits checks. Coverage can vary by plan, so our admissions team will verify your benefits and clearly explain the options before you begin. If you’re calling for yourself or someone you love, we’ll help you take the next right step-today.

Leadership You Can Trust

Quality care starts with a strong clinical team.

Milestones

June 8, 2022

Local community preview of a purpose-built treatment campus in Weston with a planned capacity of 110 beds (44 detox, 66 CSS).

August 15, 2022

Grand opening and first patients welcomed.

We continue to invest in staff development, program innovation, and partnerships that improve outcomes and access.

Our Clients’ Reviews

Our Commitment to Quality

We hold ourselves to rigorous clinical, safety, and ethical standards. That means evidence-based care, continuous training, careful outcomes tracking, and clear communication with you and your loved ones. If you have questions about our protocols, licensure, or quality standards, please don't hesitate to ask-we’re transparent by design.

Community & Collaboration

Recovery is a team effort. We coordinate with hospitals, primary care and behavioral health providers, veterans’ services, union programs, and Employee Assistance Programs to make sure your care is connected. When it’s time to step down, we help you transition smoothly to outpatient providers and local supports.

Why Families Choose Charles River Recovery

Ready When You Are

If you’re exploring options for yourself or someone you care about, we’re here to talk, explain next steps, and help you get started-today.

75 Norumbega Rd, Weston, MA 02493

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.