Cornerstone of Southern California Drug and Alcohol Rehab

We at Cornerstone have seen addiction damage careers, kill hobbies, ruin relationships, and jeopardize the user’s health and safety. The addiction can become so severe that it incapacitates a person and they aren’t able to carry out simple routine tasks like hygiene, household chores, and caring for loved ones and pets. 

Treating Substance Abuse & Addiction In The Orange County Community

You’ve already taken the first step in seeking help by finding our website. Read on to learn about Cornerstone’s highly qualified and passionate team. Everyone who arrives at our doors receives the same high level of care, no matter what their story is, and we tailor treatment to each individual’s needs.


What is Drug Addiction?

In the addiction and recovery community, we define drug addiction as a condition that arises when someone repeatedly uses a drug — whether legally or illegally — and develop a psychological or physical dependence on it. They simply cannot stop and may even feel that their life depends on using the drug. 


What causes drug addiction?

Addiction is caused by a number of factors, first and foremost of which is what we call “positive reinforcement,” which means you’re driven to things that make you feel good. Drug “highs” and euphoric effects are positive reinforcements that some people come to rely on. Additionally, these factors contribute to drug addiction:

  • Hereditary factors: Family history of addiction
  • Environmental factors: Living with an addict, witnessing drug use
  • Mental illness: Self-medicating to treat mental health conditions 
  • Trauma exposure: Stressful events such as job loss, death of a loved one, divorce, financial problems, violence and other traumatic events

Drug Addiction in California & Orange County

Substance abuse is common no matter where you live. The California Health Care Foundation (CHCF) estimates that 8% of Californians have a problematic drug addiction; that’s 1 in every 12.5 people, yet only 10% end up getting help with their addiction. 

In Orange County, addiction rates are slightly less than the state and national average but are still a major public health concern for our community. According to the Orange County Health Care Agency (OCHCA), methamphetamines and other stimulants (44%), heroin (20%), alcohol (18%), and marijuana (13%) are the most commonly treated addictions. Opiates (2%) and sedatives (1%) make up an appreciably smaller portion of treatment. Note that these are not the rate of drug use statistics, but rather the percentage of those seeking help with their addiction.

Treating Substance Abuse & Addiction In The Orange County Community
Treating Substance Abuse & Addiction In The Orange County Community

Our Expert Drug Addiction Specialist Practitioners

Our team understands how overwhelming and lonely addiction feels. Many of us have been helping people transition into sobriety for many years, and some of us are in recovery ourselves. 

Dr. Michael Stone founded Cornerstone in 1984, and he’s built a well-rounded team of 90+ professionals who have education, training, and, most importantly, experience in treating individuals who struggle with drug addiction. 

We believe in:

  • Creating a judgment-free space where you feel safe and supported
  • Transparency between you and your treatment team, so you are part of the decision-making process
  • Delivering treatment plans that take all of your physical and emotional needs into consideration
  • Identifying and addressing underlying causes of addiction that leads to better odds at a life free of drugs once you leave Cornerstone.

Dangers of Prolonging Drug Addiction

We also believe that delaying seeking help for drug addiction can make your condition worse, put you at higher risk for negative side effects, and worsen your symptoms. As addiction grows, you are at higher risk for using more dangerous substances and putting your life and your loved ones’ lives at risk. Other long-term risks include:

  • Isolation and serious psychological problems
  • Behavioral and mental health problems
  • Secondary or multiple addictions
  • Severe medical issues and even death

The good news is it is never too late to seek help. Recovery is possible at any stage of addiction.

Treating Substance Abuse & Addiction In The Orange County Community
Treating Substance Abuse & Addiction In The Orange County Community

Cornerstone’s Drug Rehabilitation Program

Drug addiction treatment assessment

We offer a free, confidential drug addiction assessment with one of our rehabilitation specialists, so you can ask questions, express your concerns, and begin your path to recovery.

This optional drug addiction assessment will help you understand your options and we are committed to providing a safe and judgment-free space for you to talk with our staff.


Managing withdrawal and detox

Your recovery plan might start with drug detox, which is managed by medical professionals here at Cornerstone. Detox may last seven to ten days, and it may involve anti-craving medications that will help one ease from active drug use into sobriety.

Therapy and support

Once you begin your treatment plan, you’ll meet with a psychiatrist who will help identify medical and psychiatric issues, so we can tailor your treatment to you. 

Your treatment team may recommend one-on-one therapy sessions paired with group sessions. You will also have opportunities to join family and couples therapy programs.


In-patient drug treatment program

The typical addiction treatment program at Cornerstone is an intensive 28-day program at our Southern California treatment center. However, the length of your stay will depend on your needs, your conditions, and your commitment to your rehabilitation program.

Treating Substance Abuse & Addiction In The Orange County Community
Treating Substance Abuse & Addiction In The Orange County Community

12-step program

We follow a 12-step addiction treatment program based on the one that Alcoholics Anonymous introduced in 1935. The recovery plan focuses on what motivates your recovery, as well as what triggers you to use drugs. We help you identify underlying causes and triggers that fuel your addiction, so you can learn new behaviors that are based on a spiritual practice that’s anchored in self-worth and humility. 


Post-treatment addiction care

Once you leave the residential treatment program, our staff has access to resources that can help you live a better life. We can help you find legal support, financial resources, out-patient support, as well as licensed sober living homes for post-treatment transition. 


Out-patient treatment options

If you’d prefer not to do an in-patient residential rehabilitation program, we offer high-quality day treatment and out-patient drug addiction recovery programs that can be tailored to your needs. Talk to us about these options during your free initial consultation.


Types of Drug Addiction Treated at Cornerstone

At Cornerstone, our team of experienced practitioners is qualified to deliver treatment for a variety of drug addictions:

We find that many people who seek help for drug addiction are using more than a single substance, which is called polydrug use. It is not uncommon to have an addiction to drugs and alcohol, for example.  

Treating Substance Abuse & Addiction In The Orange County Community
Alcohol Detox Guide: Withdrawal Symptoms, Timeline & Duration

Drug Addiction Signs & Symptoms

Drug addiction looks different from person to person, yet it has many characteristics in common. If you have any of the following signs or symptoms, you may have a drug addiction problem. 

  • Drug tolerance: You always need to use more and more often to achieve the high you crave.
  • Obsession: You become increasingly preoccupied with buying and using the drug, which replaces other interests and responsibilities in your life.
  • Deception: You feel the need to lie, minimize or hide the amount of drugs and how often you are using them.
  • Financial problems: You irresponsibly spend money on drugs, or you borrow money that you are unable to pay back in order to buy drugs.
  • Cravings: You experience cravings for the drug that alter your mood or ability to focus.
  • Self-medicating: You use drugs as a way of coping with mental health issues such as stress, anxiety, or depression.
  • Awareness: You know your drug use has a negative impact, but you keep doing it anyway.
  • Withdrawal: You experience withdrawal symptoms when you can’t get the drug, or when you try to cut down or give up on your own.

Beginning Your Recovery Program

We’re glad you’re here. We know how overwhelming it can be when you are in the depths of your addiction and trying to figure out what to do next. Here is our best advice, based on many decades of research and working with people just like you:

  • Acceptance is the first step in the 12-step recovery process; accept that you’re no longer in control of your drug use and it has become a problem. 
  • Be open and honest with people closest to you about how often you have been using drugs and how much you use. 
  • Be open and honest during your initial call with the Cornerstone staff; your call is confidential, and we’re here to help you.
  • Avoid negative influences, including people, places, and events that trigger and enable your drug use.
  • Prepare to make significant changes in your life as you enter treatment and begin your recovery from drug addiction. 
  • Accept that change is hard.

Cornerstone’s team is available every minute of every hour of every day. Our specialists are on call around the clock, and we can help you if you have urgent needs, no matter how long it’s been since you used drugs — whether it’s been minutes, hours, or days. We can help you safely detox and transition into a medically supervised recovery program.

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We are here for you

If you or someone you care about is suffering from the painful grip of addiction to alcohol or drugs, we can help.
Call Today (714) 547-5375