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Alcohol Use Disorder: Genetic Factors, Triggers & Treatment

Alcohol and Diabetes Risk: How Drinking Affects Blood SugarCan Alcohol Withdrawal Cause Panic Attacks? What to Expect, Symptoms, and Treatment

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How to Safely Manage Panic Attacks During Detox

Alcohol withdrawal can produce distressing symptoms, including intense anxiety and panic attacks. [1] Understanding how withdrawal affects the body and mind helps people prepare and get appropriate care.  Below, we explain common withdrawal-related anxiety symptoms, why they happen, and practical strategies and treatments that reduce risk and ease the detox process. Recognizing these signs ahead … Read more

Stages of Alcohol Abuse: How to Recognize and Respond Early

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Healthcare professional discussing alcohol abuse treatment options with a patient, featuring a personalized treatment plan on display and charts on a monitor, emphasizing therapy, medication, support groups, and lifestyle changes.

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

How to Detox from Alcohol Quickly and Safely

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Alcohol withdrawal timeline infographic illustrating symptoms and risks during detoxification, including mild and moderate symptoms, peak severity, and symptom resolution phases for safe alcohol detox recovery.

Detoxing from alcohol means clearing alcohol from the body while stabilizing vital signs and managing withdrawal. 1 Faster stabilization is safest when guided by clinicians, not by trying to rush the process alone.  This page explains how a medically supervised alcohol detox shortens dangerous withdrawal periods, which symptoms need immediate care, and realistic timelines for … Read more

Can Alcoholism Be Genetic? Exploring the Hereditary Link

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Wine bottle, glass of red wine, beer mug, green beer bottles, and a burger with salad on a wooden table, illustrating the connection between alcohol consumption and diabetes risk.

Can alcoholism be genetic? Yes, studies have shown that genetics significantly influence the risk of developing alcohol use disorder (AUD). This article explores how genetic factors contribute to alcoholism and what this means for prevention and treatment. Key Takeaways Genetics account for 45-65% of the risk for developing alcohol use disorder (AUD), highlighting the importance … Read more

How Does Alcoholism Start: Identifying the Triggers and Early Signs

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Group of people toasting with various alcoholic beverages, including beer, wine, and a green bottle, symbolizing social drinking and its relation to alcohol use disorder.

Alcoholism typically starts with occasional or social drinking that gradually becomes more frequent. This progression can be influenced by genetic, environmental, and psychological factors.  Recognizing how alcoholism starts is key to early intervention and prevention.  In this article, we’ll explore the triggers, early signs, and risk factors that contribute to the onset of alcoholism. Key … Read more

Alcohol Diabetes Risk: Understanding the Connection and Mitigating Dangers

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Group of people toasting with various alcoholic beverages, including beer, wine, and a green bottle, symbolizing social drinking and its relation to alcohol use disorder.

How does alcohol consumption impact your diabetes risk? Understanding the alcohol diabetes risk is critical for managing and preventing diabetes. In this article, we will explore how alcohol affects blood sugar levels, insulin sensitivity, and the overall risk of developing type 2 diabetes. You’ll also learn about safe drinking guidelines and the health complications from … Read more

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.