Best Addiction Medicine Doctors in Norfolk

Introduction to Addiction Medicine in Norfolk

Overview of Addiction Medicine

Addiction medicine is a medical specialty that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of substance use disorders and other addictive behaviors. This field encompasses a wide range of conditions, including drug and alcohol addiction, as well as behavioral addictions.

Specialized care in addiction medicine is essential for several reasons:

- Addiction is a complex disease that affects both the brain and behavior, requiring targeted interventions

- Proper treatment often involves a combination of medical, psychological, and social support

- Addiction medicine specialists are trained to address co-occurring mental health disorders

- Evidence-based treatments and up-to-date approaches are continuously evolving in this field

The Landscape of Addiction Medicine in Norfolk

Norfolk, Virginia offers a range of addiction medicine services, including:

- Board-certified addiction medicine physicians

- Psychiatrists specializing in addiction

- Counselors and therapists focused on substance abuse

- Rehabilitation centers and programs

Selecting the right healthcare provider is a significant decision that can greatly impact the success of addiction treatment. Factors to consider include:

- The provider's qualifications and experience

- Treatment approaches and philosophies

- Patient reviews and satisfaction rates

- Accessibility and compatibility with your needs

Navigating the Doctor Selection Process in Norfolk

Factors to Consider When Choosing an Addiction Medicine Specialist

Qualifications and certifications

• Board certifications in Addiction Medicine, Psychiatry, or Family Medicine
• Educational background and medical school information

Experience and specializations

• Years of practice in Addiction Medicine
• Additional specialties such as Psychiatry or Family Medicine

Patient reviews and ratings

• Star ratings from patient reviews
• Number of reviews available

Accessibility and communication

• Hospital affiliations
• Languages spoken
• Contact information and availability

Resources for Finding Addiction Medicine Doctors in Norfolk

Online directories and review platforms

• Healthgrades and similar healthcare provider review websites
• Local medical association directories

Referrals and recommendations

• Primary care physician referrals
• Recommendations from support groups or addiction treatment centers

Insurance provider networks

• Checking in-network providers for your insurance plan
• Understanding coverage for addiction medicine services

Top-Ranked Addiction Medicine Doctors in Norfolk

Dr. Aafaque Akhter

Qualifications and Certifications

• Board-certified in Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine
• American Board of Preventive Medicine
• American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology

Experience and Education

• Graduated from Patna University / Patna Medical College in 1994
• Specializes in Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine

Patient Ratings and Reviews

• 5.0-star rating based on 3 patient reviews
• Highest-rated addiction medicine specialist in Norfolk

Additional Information

• Gender: Male
• Languages: English
• Contact: (508) 285-8550

Dr. Frances Williams

Qualifications and Certifications

• Board-certified in Family Medicine and Addiction Medicine
• American Board of Preventive Medicine
• American Board of Family Medicine

Experience and Education

• Graduated from University of Colorado at Denver in 1990
• Specializes in Family Medicine and Addiction Medicine

Patient Ratings and Reviews

• 4.5-star rating based on 4 patient reviews
• Second-highest rated addiction medicine specialist in Norfolk

Additional Information

• Gender: Female
• Languages: English
• Affiliated with Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital

Dr. Malissa Barbosa

Qualifications and Certifications

• Board-certified by American Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians
• Specializes in Addiction Medicine

Experience and Education

• Graduated from Delaware State University
• Focuses exclusively on Addiction Medicine

Patient Ratings and Reviews

• 1.0-star rating based on 1 patient review
• Limited patient feedback available

Additional Information

• Gender: Female
• Languages: English
• Contact: (629) 204-8854
• Affiliated with Lancaster General Hospital

Additional Resources for Addiction Treatment in Norfolk

Counseling and Support Services

Overview of Available Counseling Options

• Highlight the variety of counseling services in Norfolk
• Discuss the benefits of different counseling approaches for addiction treatment

Local Counselors Specializing in Addiction and Substance Abuse

• Mention Jasen Eberz, LCSW (5.0 star rating)
• Include Ruby Northrup, LCSW
• Note Carol Erbes, LCSW's experience in addiction and substance abuse counseling
• Highlight other local counselors from the data: Claudia Williams, Faye Reed, Sabrina High, Sonya Lee, and Regina Dmoch

Rehabilitation Centers and Programs

Overview of Inpatient and Outpatient Options

• Discuss the differences between inpatient and outpatient programs
• Mention any notable rehabilitation centers in Norfolk (if available in the data)

Importance of Comprehensive Treatment Approaches

• Explain the benefits of multi-disciplinary treatment teams
• Highlight the role of psychiatrists like Dr. Armin Ansari in comprehensive care

Support Groups and Community Resources

Local Support Group Information

• Mention the importance of peer support in recovery
• Suggest researching local AA, NA, or SMART Recovery meetings

Online Resources and Helplines

• List national addiction helplines
• Mention online support communities for those in recovery