Charles River Recovery 
Understanding the Dangers of Opioids While Pregnant Opioid abuse is destructive to anyone, but it can have devastating effects on a fetus during pregnancy. An expectant mother who currently takes prescription or non-prescription opioids may be unaware of how these drugs can impact her unborn child; learning the effects, risks, and importance of getting treatment … Read more
Benzodiazepines for Depression Benzodiazepines have been used to treat a variety of conditions for many years. Healthcare providers have prescribed this type of psychoactive drug to people with anxiety, insomnia, and muscle spasms, among other conditions, because of its ability to affect the central nervous system. It can make people feel calmer, which is useful … Read more
The Massachusetts Opioid Crisis Is One of the Most Severe in the Nation Over the past two decades, the opioid crisis in Massachusetts has increased exponentially. The crisis is worse in the commonwealth than in many other areas of the United States, as evidenced by many statistics. In 2020, over 2,000 people died in Massachusetts … Read more
What to Expect During Opioid Withdrawal Withdrawal can be frightening for many people with substance addiction disorders. This procedure is extremely difficult, and without the right care, it may result in health problems. However, a team of experienced medical professionals can assist you in mitigating the symptoms. Opioid addiction has increased all over the world. … Read more
How Long Do Opioids Stay in Your System? Opioids are a class of drugs that reduce pain and produce intense highs lasting for multiple hours. Although the altered state of mind wanes after a relatively short duration, you may be surprised to learn that the chemicals remain in the body long after you reach a … Read more
How Often Can You Use Narcan? That’s an easy question: as often as necessary. In fact, you cannot hurt someone with Narcan. Generally, you should give a dose of Narcan every two or three minutes until the person who overdosed begins breathing normally again. That makes Narcan a powerful ally in stopping sudden death from … Read more
Your Guide to the Opioid Epidemic Opioids, like fentanyl and hydrocodone, are potent drugs that often bring about substance use disorders among people who consume too much of these drugs. Since 1999, more than 650,000 people have died as a result of overdosing on opioids. While opioids have always had the potential to cause a … Read more
Learn How Long Suboxone Can Block Opiates The opioid epidemic has cast a shadow over countless lives. However, Suboxone has emerged as a beacon of hope. It has offered a lifeline to those grappling with opioid addiction. Find out the basics of how Suboxone works and how long it can block the effects of opiates. … Read more
What Painkillers Are Safe to Take With Alcohol? Many common over-the-counter and prescription drugs cannot be taken with alcohol. These drugs are used to treat a broad range of conditions from allergies and diabetes to chronic pain and seizure disorders. But are any pain medications safe to take with alcohol? While the short answer is … Read more
Do Painkillers Cause Erectile Dysfunction? If you are regularly using painkillers, there is a chance that you could end up dealing with erectile dysfunction (ED). Though many people hesitate to discuss this issue, the reality is that it’s extremely common. Learning about the link between ED and painkillers can help you find ways to improve … 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”.
