Cornerstone of Southern California, Celebrating 40 Years
Call (714) 547-5375
Michael Stone, MD, FAAFP, ABAM, FASAM
Founder and Chief Medical Officer

Dr. Stone founded Cornerstone of Southern California in 1984 when he recognized that many addicts who needed help could not afford prolonged hospital stays. Being well versed in the treatment of addiction, he also understood that the sterile conditions of a hospital setting were so far removed from the addict’s normal life, that they were not conducive to long lasting recovery. Deciding to rectify this he set up Cornerstone of California.

A place he could offer addicts seeking recovery a safe, non judgmental space where they could learn about the disease of addiction, understand their triggers, look deeper, through various empirically tested therapeutic methods, at the core reasons for their illness, while living amongst other people in a community where they could relearn basic living skills and how to socially interact. Dr. Stone has treated over 80,000 addicts and their families’ since 1969. He is well known and respected in the professional community.

Dr. Stone has refused to allow Cornerstone, or himself, be pigeon holed or type cast. He has treated individuals from all walks of life. His priority is setting the individual on the path to successful, long lasting recovery, regardless of whether they are a celebrity or homeless.

Dr. Stone graduated from Sheffield University Medical School, England in 1967. In 1969 he opened and directed the first in-hospital drug and alcohol treatment center in Canada. He then became Medical Director of Care Unit Hospital, Orange County, a famous psychiatric hospital. During his employment at Care Unit, the prevalence of alcoholism and drug addiction increased exponentially.

Dr. Stone’s experience and ability were highly esteemed and he was asked by Betty Ford if he could, along with his team, train the Directors at the Betty Ford Center by Mrs. Betty Ford.

Dr. Stone has committed himself to help people with addictive diseases for over 50 years. He has had extensive training in the field of addiction and is board certified in family medicine, board certified by the American Board of Addiction Medicine and a diplomat of the American Academy of Pain Management.

Personal Life:

Dr. Stone has been married since 1967. He is extremely proud of his three adult children who work full-time at Cornerstone. He enjoys the beach, loves dogs, and reads science fiction novels in his free time. He is a doting grandfather to five grandchildren.

Author’s publications

Celebrating National Recovery Month: Hope is Real. Recovery is Real.

By Phil Kosanovich, MBA on September 5, 2024
Celebrating National Recovery Month This September As September unfolds, we at Cornerstone of Southern California join millions across the nation in observing National Recovery Month. This annual celebration shines a spotlight on substance use treatment and mental health services, reminding us all that recovery is possible and that every journey toward healing is worthy of […]
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The Growing Danger of Fentanyl with Xylazine & Treatment Options

By Phil Kosanovich on October 25, 2023
Fentanyl and Xylazine: The Increasing Dangers and Treatment Options In the last 10 years, the dangers of Fentanyl exposure have become increasingly more wide spread, including and especially across public platforms and social media. And though both healthcare professionals and government establishments, including the U.S. Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Federal Drug […]
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September is Suicide Prevention Month: Raising Awareness and Saving Lives

By Phil Kosanovich, MBA on September 10, 2025
September marks a key time in mental health advocacy: National Suicide Prevention Month. This observance, sometimes also referred to as Suicide Awareness Month, is not only a call to raise awareness about suicide and its devastating effects, but also an invitation for communities, healthcare professionals, and individuals to engage actively in prevention efforts. At Cornerstone […]
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Is Cocaine a Stimulant or Depressant?

By Phil Kosanovich, MBA on April 14, 2025
Cocaine is classified as a central nervous system stimulant, not a depressant. This means that rather than slowing down brain and body functions, as depressants do, cocaine increases activity in the brain, resulting in elevated heart rate, blood pressure, and heightened alertness. The euphoric and energetic effects associated with cocaine use are hallmarks of stimulant […]
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April is Alcohol Awareness Month 2025 | Be Aware of Rising Alcohol Abuse

By Phil Kosanovich, MBA on April 10, 2025
April marks Alcohol Awareness Month, a nationwide campaign to increase understanding of alcohol addiction and reduce the stigma that keeps people from seeking help. As alcohol use and related health issues continue to rise across the U.S., particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic and recent crackdown on Fentanyl drug trafficking, this month serves as a timely […]
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Understanding Drug Court Programs as an Alternative to Incarceration

By Phil Kosanovich, MBA on March 28, 2025
What Are Drug Court Programs? Their Role in Criminal Justice Reform Drug court programs play a critical role in criminal justice reform, offering a structured path toward recovery. The U.S. Department of Justice provides further insights into national policies and statistics. Drug court programs are specialized judicial initiatives designed to handle cases involving non-violent, drug-dependent […]
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