Are Painkillers Safe to Take When Breastfeeding? If you are a breastfeeding mother, you may be wondering if it’s okay to take painkillers while you’re breastfeeding. This is a hot topic as painkillers come in different varieties and strengths. Additionally, the things a mother ingests usually go into her milk supply. This article delves into … 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
No matter which mind-altering substance you are discussing, there are always dangers inherent to using drugs or alcohol for any reason. The more dependent someone becomes on such chemicals, the more likely they will face problems due to drug use. In the cases of both alcohol and heroin, regular use of either substance can result … Read more
The Amount of Time It Takes to Detox From Alcohol Alcoholism, or alcohol use disorder (AUD), is a chronic disease defined by an individual’s addiction to alcohol. This compulsive need to consume alcohol takes control despite damaging effects to their physical and mental health. Alcohol addiction can involve physical and psychological dependence. Psychological dependence is … Read more
Why Are Opioids Addictive? Three million Americans are addicted to opioids. More than five times that many are addicted worldwide. Half a million people in the United States are dependent on heroin. However, this does not automatically mean that the roughly 11 million people in the United States who take prescription opioids abuse their prescriptions. … Read more
How Long Does Opioid Withdrawal Last? Overcoming opioid addiction is a difficult task. However, thanks to proven programs and helpful tools, there is hope for those who are suffering from opioid dependency. Perhaps you are worried about going through opioid withdrawal and wondering how long it takes. In the United States, more than three million … Read more
The Connection Between Alcohol Detox and Mental Health Often, an alcohol disorder develops when the person uses alcohol to cope with their own mental health symptoms. When the individual begins to seek treatment such as alcohol detox, the state of their mental health can play a large part in their experience in recovery. Are you … Read more
The opioid overdose reversing medication can now be sold over-the-counter without a prescription. The recent approval the opioid overdose reversing medication Narcan for over-the-counter sales, is good news for people with substance use disorders, their family and friends, for drug addition specialists and even for bystanders. With overdoses on the rise, access to the life-saving … Read more
Building a Strong Support System: Essential Guidance for Detox and Recovery A strong support system plays a very important role in what is often the first step of a sobriety journey, the detox. Help from loved ones and health professionals is a crucial component of the beginning of recovery. Are you hoping to detox from drugs … Read more
Redefining Relapse: Embracing Growth and Resilience in Your Recovery Journey Overcoming a relapse can be done by understanding this is just one setback in your recovery journey. After going through detox and treatment for an alcohol use disorder, it is common to see a relapse as a failure. You may feel that you have let … 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”.
