I enjoy getting to know my patients and building meaningful relationships rooted in shared understanding and hope. As someone who has walked the path of recovery myself, I understand that each person’s journey with addiction is unique, shaped by diverse backgrounds, experiences, and circumstances. I strive to actively listen without judgment and empower my patients to become advocates for their own recovery and wellness goals that matter most to them.
I’m dedicated to providing compassionate and individualized care through comprehensive patient education and evidence-based addiction medicine. Having experienced the struggle of addiction firsthand, I bring both clinical expertise and personal insight to every treatment relationship. I’m passionate about practicing preventive addiction medicine and helping my patients manage not only their substance use disorders but also the acute and chronic health conditions and mental health challenges that often accompany addiction.
As a Board Certified Addictionologist with over 12 years of addiction treatment experience, I graduated from Lafayette College and earned my medical degree from State University of New York Downstate Medical Center. I completed my internship and residency training at Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles and am board-certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine. My early career centered around emergency and urgent care, but I soon developed a special love and passion for addiction medicine.
Currently, I serve as the founder of DeSanto Clinics in Costa Mesa, where I oversee medical care and detox services for all clients. I also work with BioCorRx, providing innovative addiction treatment solutions, and collaborate extensively with treatment centers throughout Orange County. Previously, I co-hosted “The Recovery Show with Dr Joe and Angelina” on local radio, raising awareness about addiction and recovery in our community.
I find joy in spending time with my wife, who is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in addiction and mental health, and being a proud father to my two children who have supported me through my own recovery journey. When I’m not caring for patients, I enjoy almost any outdoor activity and strive to live mindfully and intentionally by creating uplifting routines and practices that support both my recovery and overall wellness.
My personal experience with addiction and recovery, combined with my medical training, allows me to offer hope and healing to those who may feel hopeless. I believe that recovery is possible for everyone, and I’m honored to walk alongside my patients as they reclaim their lives and discover their full potential.
