Victoria McCann BA, MSc

Communications Director & Editorial Lead

Victoria McCann, BA, MSc, is Communications Director & Editorial Lead at Castle Craig and a member of the clinic’s founding family. With over a decade of experience in addiction treatment communications, she leads the creation of clear, compassionate content that supports patients, families, and healthcare professionals. Victoria is committed to reducing stigma around addiction and mental health, and brings strategic insight and lived sector knowledge to her work. She regularly attends and organises addiction treatment conferences across the UK and Europe, promoting high standards of care and best practice in the field. Victoria also works with the media to raise awareness and share informed perspectives on addiction and recovery. The Herald, The Times, BBC, STV, The Times, New York Post, The Guardian.

man reflecting on his porn addiction as his girlfriend leaves the room

Symptoms and Treatment Options for Porn Addiction in Ireland

Pornography is widely used, and for many people it doesn’t cause lasting harm. But if it starts to feel compulsive, secretive, or hard to stop, porn addiction can affect your relationships, mood, work and self-respect. In Ireland, research on young adults has found porn use is common, especially among young men, which can make it […]

How To Tell If Someone Is On Speed

If you’re trying to work out how to tell if someone is on speed, it usually means you’ve noticed changes that don’t feel typical for them. Speed can affect someone’s body, mood, sleep, and behaviour, and those changes can show up quickly. This page explains what is speed, the most common speed drug effects, and […]

Four people (two women and two men) indoors sitting on chairs in a circle, talking about addiction recovery at Smarmore Castle

Addiction Treatment at Smarmore Castle

If you or someone close to you is struggling with addiction, you are not alone. It is common for family members to experience despair, feeling helpless and overwhelmed by the emotional toll of supporting a loved one through addiction, making guidance and support essential during these difficult times. At Smarmore Castle, your recovery journey is […]

Diazepam Addiction Signs, Withdrawal & Treatment

Page Clinically Reviewed on 11 April 202420 August 2025 by Victoria McCann BA, MSc | Communications Director & Editorial Lead

In the era of modern medicine, Diazepam, or Valium as it’s more commonly known, has become a double-edged sword. As relief from anxiety, muscle spasms, or seizures, diazepam was a regularly prescribed drug despite the potential for dependence. Although it is still prescribed, most GPs will not provide a course for longer than 7 days. […]

The Disease Model of Addiction: Is Addiction a Disease?

When people refer to addiction as a disease, they are acknowledging that addiction is a complex medical condition characterised by changes in brain function and structure. This perspective, known as the disease model of addiction, views addiction as a chronic and relapsing disorder that involves compulsive drug-seeking and use despite harmful consequences. The disease model […]

Addictive Personality Disorder: Myth or Reality?

The concept of an “addictive personality” has permeated popular culture with its suggestion that some individuals possess a particular set of traits that predispose them to addiction. But is there scientific evidence to support the idea of an addictive personality type, or is it more myth than reality? Opinions vary widely among experts, but most […]

15 Celebrities Who Recovered from Alcoholism

Well-known actors, musicians and public figures have fought addiction and shared their stories with the world. Their stories, filled with both despair and triumph, prove that recovery isn’t just a distant dream but a reachable reality. 1. Bradley Cooper Known for his dynamic roles and compelling performances, Bradley Cooper’s battle with addiction began early in […]

Can Your Liver Repair Itself From Alcohol Misuse?

The liver is a testimony to how amazing our bodies are: it has the remarkable ability to regenerate itself, even after significant injury or surgery. Unlike most organs, the liver can recover lost tissue; as little as 51% of a liver can regrow back to its full size. That said, the liver’s ability to repair […]

Understanding Dual Diagnosis: Addiction and Mental Health

People living with a “dual diagnosis” are experiencing a mental health condition alongside a substance use disorder, such as alcohol addiction or drug addiction. Dual diagnosis is a complex condition that requires careful assessment, comprehensive treatment and ongoing aftercare support to help a person navigate their recovery from addiction. At Smarmore Castle, our team understand […]

Help & Treatment Options for Porn Addiction

Deciding to quit watching porn indicates that you may be aware that your relationship with it is unhealthy. Porn addiction is a real and growing problem in our society, and while it may seem like a harmless habit to some, all forms of addictive behaviours are harmful and should be taken seriously. (1) If you […]

a man receiving support after developing ketamine bladder

Ketamine Bladder: Symptoms, Issues & Treatment

Ketamine is best known as a medical anaesthetic and, in some cases, for its use in mental health treatment. But when ketamine is used regularly for non-medical reasons, it can lead to serious health problems, especially in the bladder. “Ketamin bladder” or “K-bladder” is a painful and sometimes disabling condition that has become more common […]

a girlfriend explaining to her boyfriend how to stop smoking weed everyday

How to Stop Smoking Weed Everyday – Leave Addiction Behind

If you’re asking yourself how to stop smoking weed everyday, then there is likely an issue we can help you address. Deciding to stop smoking weed can be difficult, especially if you have been smoking cannabis for some time. While you will have your reasons for quitting, it’s important to recognise that stopping isn’t […]