Fentanyl Exposure and Overdose Symptoms The opioid crisis in the United States is well-known. Fentanyl, a synthetic form of this class of drugs, is one of the deadliest. At around 50 times stronger than heroin, it accounts for a significant amount of both fatal and non-fatal overdoses. Whether intentional or unintentional, fentanyl exposure can result … Read more
All About Percocet Percocet is the brand name of a narcotic combination analgesic legally available only by prescription. Especially over the past few years, counterfeit products resembling Percocet and its generic equivalents have been sold on the black market. These products often contain the far more powerful synthetic opioid fentanyl, disguised as pills illegally pressed … Read more
The Time Frame of a 12-Step Program Several factors play a role in how long it takes to complete a 12-step program if you are suffering from substance use disorder (SUD). Not every person or situation is the same, and in mild cases, it can take up to 90 days. For severe cases, it can … Read more
Embracing Recovery: Understanding the 12th Step of Alcoholics Anonymous Alcohol addiction is a complex challenge that affects individuals from all walks of life. It can lead to significant personal, social, and legal problems, impacting not only the individuals struggling with addiction but also their families and communities. Among the various support systems available, Alcoholics Anonymous … Read more
Does Heroin Use Cause Diabetes? Heroin does not cause diabetes. What heroin does do, however, is create what’s known as hyperinsulinemia. This is a state where there is too much insulin in the blood even without glucose intolerance. According to the Mayo Clinic, the treatment is simply to treat the problem that’s causing the hyperinsulinemia. … Read more
How Does Heroin Use and Addiction Affect the Brain? Heroin, also known as diamorphine or diacetylmorphine, is an opioid substance made from the opium poppy. This substance harms the brain and the body and has been labeled an illegal or controlled substance in several countries worldwide. Heroin is an addictive substance that can lead to … Read more
How Do Painkillers Pinpoint Pain? From mild over-the-counter analgesics to the powerful drugs administered during surgical procedures, all painkillers have a few things in common. They work by blocking the neural pathways that cause pain, but have you ever wondered why they only seem to work on the affected area? Why doesn’t your entire body … Read more
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
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”.
