“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
“Success rate” in rehab is not a single, fixed number; it depends on how you define success. For some studies, success means staying sober for 30–90 days; for others, it means improved relationships, steady work, or a year of sustained recovery. 1 Published rates vary because researchers and programs use different outcome measures, follow-up lengths, … Read more
Relapse, returning to substance use after a period of abstinence, is a common part of many people’s recovery. Current studies generally place overall relapse rates after treatment in the 40–60% range, a pattern comparable to other chronic illnesses and reflective of addiction’s relapsing–remitting nature. 1 You’ll find recent data trends (including the high-risk first year), … Read more
Recovery after treatment is fragile but manageable when you have a clear plan, practical skills, and steady support. This guide explains what it means to stay sober after rehab, why relapse can happen (including the role of post-acute withdrawal syndrome, or PAWS) 1, and how evidence-based relapse prevention strategies, aftercare programs, social supports, and day-to-day … Read more
Yes, problematic marijuana use can meet clinical criteria for cannabis use disorder, and many people enter rehab for it. [1] This guide explains what cannabis dependence can look like, how to tell when professional care is warranted, and the main levels of treatment used to help people stop or cut back safely. You’ll find signs … Read more
For individuals on probation who are also navigating addiction, a common and important question arises: Is it possible to enter rehab without violating probation terms? In many situations, the answer is yes. In fact, seeking treatment is often viewed as a positive and responsible step that may support compliance, reduce the likelihood of new violations, … Read more
When a loved one is struggling with severe substance use and refuses help, families often ask a difficult and emotional question: Can you force someone into rehab? In certain situations, the answer is yes. Involuntary commitment, also known as court-ordered or forced rehab, is a legal process that allows a judge or authorized clinician to … Read more
Helping a loved one enter rehab is often one of the hardest and most emotional challenges a family can face. Addiction impacts not just the person struggling, but also the family’s relationships, safety, health, and stability. With the right approach, families can help their loved one get treatment, whether that means having caring conversations, planning … Read more
Embarking on the rehab journey signifies a crucial shift from uncertainty and potential harm toward a structured, evidence-based path designed to stabilize your health and initiate recovery from substance use disorder. In this guide, we will outline how to access rehab, emphasize the importance of prompt, clinical admissions for safety and successful outcomes, and provide … Read more
Addiction recovery is a deeply personal journey, and selecting the right treatment program is crucial for long-term success. Understanding the differences between residential, inpatient, and outpatient rehab can help you or a loved one choose a path that aligns with clinical needs, lifestyle, and recovery goals. From medical detox to dual diagnosis treatment, therapy intensity, … 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”.
