Charles River Recovery 
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
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 short term, a growing body of research raises concerns about their long-term safety in elderly patients. One question is gaining attention: Can benzodiazepines cause dementia? … Read more
Why Detoxification Is Essential for Long-Lasting Recovery From Drug Addiction Detoxification from drugs can be dangerous. However, if detox is medically assisted, the withdrawal symptoms can be reduced significantly in a safe environment. Detoxification clears your body of drugs that you have consumed. The medication administered during medically assisted detox helps you to feel comfortable … Read more
Detox Center and Treatment for Xanax Addiction Xanax is a potent and fast-acting tranquilizer. It is a type of benzodiazepine, which acts on the central nervous system to create a calming effect. It does this by enhancing the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) that occurs naturally in our bodies. Alprazolam is the real name of the medication … Read more
Substance Misuse in Massachusetts: An Overview of the 2023 Statistics Substance misuse in Massachusetts has long been a critical concern, and this problem continues to impact communities on a grand scale. The state has seen fluctuating trends over the years, and much of this has been influenced by numerous factors. In 2023, the state continued … Read more
Understanding How Substance Abuse Affects Mental Health Mental health is a person’s emotional, physiological and social well-being. It influences how individuals think, feel and behave in daily life. Several factors can change a person’s mental health. For instance, facing high demands without enough resources and support to accomplish a task can lead to mental illness. … Read more
The Connection Between Drug Abuse and Bipolar Disorder Nearly 49 million Americans aged 12 and older have a substance use disorder (SUD) of some kind, according to the most recent data available from the 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. For those not familiar with the term substance use disorder or SUD, it … Read more
Available 24/7 – We accept most insurance plans.
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”.