Melinda Elinor Glines, MD

As an addiction medicine specialist, Dr. Glines treats patients of all ages who want to change their relationship with alcohol and other substances. Working with an addiction medicine specialist begins with the individual patient’s history, including their background, goals and interest in different treatment options. An addiction medicine treatment plan may include counseling, medication and participation in mutual-aid meetings such as AA or NA. Referral to more intensive levels of care is performed when necessary.

Dr. Glines is board-certified in both family medicine and addiction medicine. She practiced as a family physician for many years and then completed a fellowship in addiction medicine. She has served as a medical director in public health and addiction care, and has worked in hospitals, clinics and nonprofit organizations. One of her academic interests is in using language to reduce stigma around substance use, and in applying harm reduction principles in thoughtful ways to meet patients’ needs while providing evidence-based care. Dr. Glines is an active member of the California Society of Addiction Medicine and the American Society of Addiction Medicine.

Her philosophy is that all who seek to change their relationship with substances deserve robust support in doing so. Patients can expect that Dr. Glines will help them learn about their options for leading safer and healthier lives, and that she will work alongside them to create a personalized treatment plan.

“As an addiction medicine specialist, I have the opportunity to work with patients who are motivated to make huge changes in their lives, and this gives me a lot of joy,” Dr. Glines notes.