Charles River Recovery 
Fentanyl is a highly potent synthetic opioid used in medicine for severe pain, and it’s increasingly found in the illicit drug supply. 1 This guide explains what fentanyl is, why its potency raises the risk of overdose, how to spot signs of fentanyl addiction, and the treatment options that can help. Families and clinicians often … Read more
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid used in medicine for severe pain and, unfortunately, increasingly found in the illicit drug supply. 1 Knowing how long it stays in the body helps families, clinicians, and forensic teams interpret test results and manage safety. This article outlines typical detection windows for different specimen types, summarizes fentanyl metabolism … Read more
Active addiction describes the period when a substance use disorder is driving repeated use despite clear harm. It reflects lasting changes in the brain that affect reward, motivation, and self-control. 1 This guide explains what active addiction looks like, why it can develop, and practical steps individuals and families can take to find safe, evidence-based … Read more
Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) involves patterns of drinking that typically unfold in recognizable stages. Understanding these stages helps people and families spot early risk, decide when to seek care, and choose an appropriate level of treatment. This guide draws on established frameworks, including Jellinek’s model, to define four main stages, highlight early warning signs and … Read more
Xanax (alprazolam) often brings fast relief for panic and acute anxiety 1, but for some people, it can make anxiety harder to manage over time. This article explains how Xanax works in the brain, why rebound anxiety and withdrawal can amplify symptoms, and what safe treatment options look like. You’ll learn how tolerance and neuroadaptation … Read more
Opiate detox is a medically supervised process that clears opioids from the body while managing withdrawal and preparing the person for ongoing care. 1 Acute opioid withdrawal often starts within hours to a day after the last dose and usually follows a short peak period before gradually easing. Clinical guidance shows most people move through … Read more
Medically supervised drug detox is a clinical process that manages withdrawal so the brain and body can stabilize and reduce short-term risks. 1 This guide explains how evidence-based detox works, why monitoring and medication-assisted treatment (MAT) options matter, and what patients and families should expect during evaluation, stabilization, and the transition into ongoing treatment. You’ll … Read more
Suboxone combines buprenorphine and naloxone and is commonly prescribed to treat opioid use disorder. 1 How long Suboxone detox takes depends on the drug’s pharmacology, the individual’s history, and whether detox is supervised by clinicians. Physical withdrawal from Suboxone usually unfolds over days to weeks, while longer-lasting psychological symptoms can persist for months. Knowing these … Read more
Marijuana detox describes the process of clearing THC and its metabolites from your body 1 while managing withdrawal symptoms and preparing for reliable drug testing or long-term abstinence. People often look for ways to detox from marijuana to pass a drug test, reduce lingering impairment, or start recovery from problematic cannabis use. This guide emphasizes … Read more
“Rehab duration” is the total time someone spends in structured addiction care, from medically supervised withdrawal through therapy and coordinated aftercare. Knowing typical timelines helps you and your family set realistic expectations, arrange logistics, and choose between shorter stabilization programs or longer, skills-based care. This guide outlines the most common program lengths (30-, 60-, and … 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”.
