Victoria McCann BA, MSc

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.

How Long Does Ketamine Stay in Your System?

If you are wondering how long ketamine is detected in your system after use, it’s important to first understand the factors that determine this. Body mass, water consumption and length of use can influence detection rates in a urine sample or blood test. The biggest question is, has your ketamine use become a problem in […]

What are Legal Highs and Why Are They Dangerous?

You’ve probably heard the term legal highs – substances engineered within legal loopholes to mimic the effects of illicit drugs. These designer substances are a persistent problem for regulators, with new variations continually emerging. Often, each iteration is more potent than the one that came before, as creators and legislators engage in a dangerous game […]

A nurse monitoring a patient's heart rate using a stethoscope whilst discussing the effects of cocaine and alcohol.

Why You Shouldn’t Drink Alcohol With Diazepam

Combining alcohol with prescription drugs is generally ill-advised, but mixing it with diazepam, commonly known as Valium, is particularly dangerous. Diazepam, a benzodiazepine prescribed for anxiety, muscle spasms, seizures, and other medical conditions, works by calming the brain and nerves. Alcohol, meanwhile, is a depressant. When taken together, they significantly slow your brain activity, leading […]

Signs You May Be Struggling With Porn Addiction

Porn can lead to lower sexual satisfaction and a decreased interest in intimate interactions. If you’re struggling with porn addiction, you might find it challenging to become aroused or maintain interest in sexual activities with a partner. This diminished sexual interest not only affects your happiness but can also have profound impacts on your relationships. […]

Three people talking in a group therapy session for addiction at Smarmore Castle rehab clinic

Understanding Pornography Addiction: Symptoms, Risks and Treatment

Anyone who has access to the internet has access to unlimited adult content. This reality has a dire consequence: a growing number of people worldwide struggle with porn addiction. As it is a relatively new phenomenon, porn addiction has not yet been fully studied, but a growing body of evidence shows that it can be […]

Is it Safe to Drink Alcohol With Tramadol?

If you’ve been prescribed tramadol for pain relief, you might think having a drink would be harmless. Unfortunately, mixing alcohol with a strong opiate like Tramadol comes with significant health risks. This combination can significantly impair your central nervous system, leading to potentially life-threatening conditions such as respiratory depression. Taking both substances together can increase […]

Two people, a patient and an addiction therapist, talking while walking up a stone path surrounded by trees at Smarmore Castle

Weed Withdrawal Symptoms Explained

Quitting cannabis, also known informally as ‘weed’, is a significant step towards reclaiming your health and well-being, but it isn’t without its challenges. The transition from the pleasant effects of recreational cannabis use to unpleasant withdrawal symptoms can be very daunting. You may experience a spectrum of symptoms, from mood swings to sleep disturbances, that […]

The Dangers of Mixing Codeine and Alcohol

A growing number of people are combining codeine and alcohol for recreational purposes. What few know is that mixing codeine with alcohol increases your risk of overdose by over 50%. When you combine these two substances, you’re not just doubling the effects; you’re creating a potentially lethal cocktail that can severely depress your central nervous […]

We Offer Free Prescription Drug Addiction Screening Results

Making Sense of Your Results Was this result a surprise to you? Have you been concerned about your prescription drug use for some time? It could be time to seek help. You have already taken a step forward by completing this quiz, we understand how difficult it can be to admit that you have a […]

Your Cocaine Screening Results

Making Sense of Your Results Was this result a surprise to you? Have you been concerned about your cocaine use for some time? It could be time to seek help. You have already taken a step forward by completing this quiz, we understand how difficult it can be to admit that you have a problem, […]

Your Cannabis Screening Results

Making Sense of Your Results Was this result a surprise to you? Have you been concerned about your cannabis use for some time? It could be time to seek help. You have already taken a step forward by completing this quiz, we understand how difficult it can be to admit that you have a problem, […]

Your Gambling Screening Results

Making Sense of Your Results Was this result a surprise to you? Have you been concerned about your gambling use for some time? It could be time to seek help. You have already taken a step forward by completing this quiz, we understand how difficult it can be to admit that you have a problem, […]