Definitions, Symptoms, and Treatment Options Addiction is a chronic disorder marked by compulsive substance use despite harmful effects. It impacts health, relationships, and daily functioning. This article outlines what is addiction, its symptoms, types, and treatments for addiction. Key Takeaways Addiction is a chronic disease characterized by compulsive substance use despite negative consequences, impacting health … Read more
What to Look For Identifying the common symptoms of addiction is essential for getting help early. In this post, we will highlight the top signs to watch for, covering physical, behavioral, and psychological symptoms associated with addiction. Key Takeaways Addiction is a chronic disease affecting the brain’s reward system, influenced by genetics, environment, and personal … 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
What Is Drug Detox? When someone is addicted to drugs, detox or detoxification is an important first step on the road to recovery. A person who is addicted to a drug is both physically and mentally unwell. Detox focuses on the physical side of the addiction. Once a person has cleared that hurdle, they can … Read more
Understanding Alcohol Withdrawal: Stages, Symptom, and Strategies for Recovery When someone who regularly consumes large amounts of alcohol abruptly cuts down or stops drinking altogether, they may experience alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Even though withdrawal symptoms tend to affect adults the most, they can also occur in young children and teenagers who drink alcohol. The more … Read more
Can Opioids Lead to Depression? Did you know that around 131,778,501 opioid prescriptions were dispensed across America in 2022? Opioids have been a standard go-to solution for managing pain among chronically ill people. Sadly, people misuse their medications, and others use opioids without medical advice, leading to Opioid Use Disorder (OUD). OUD touches around 2.1 … Read more
Does Withdrawing From Alcohol Cause Fatigue? People who have an alcohol use disorder (AUD) typically experience withdrawal symptoms after they stop drinking. This can include occasional fatigue and even chronic fatigue. Weariness and the degree of it vary from person to person. Fatigue certainly affects you physically but also mentally and emotionally. Many people understandably … 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”.
