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.

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 […]

Tramadol and Alcohol: What You Need to Know

If you’ve been prescribed tramadol for pain relief, you might wonder “can you drink on tramadol”, or whether having a drink would be harmless. Unfortunately, mixing alcohol with a strong opiate like tramadol comes with significant health risks. Tramadol and alcohol both depress the central nervous system. When used together, this combination can significantly impair […]

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 […]

a woman in the supermarket suffering with liver pain due to codeine and alcohol addiction

The Dangers of Mixing Codeine and Alcohol

Mixing codeine and alcohol can be very dangerous. When taken together, you’re not just doubling the effects; you’re creating a potentially lethal cocktail that can severely depress your central nervous system. This dangerous mix can lead to extreme stomach pain, drowsiness, difficulty breathing, and even coma, as well as severe damage to your long-term physical […]

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, […]

VHI Drug and Alcohol Addiction Rehab Insurance Coverage

Smarmore Castle is a private rehab centre in Ireland specialising in the treatment of drug and alcohol addiction with confidential and compassionate care. Our beautiful, private location offers a peaceful and therapeutic environment, evidence-based addiction treatment, and tailored treatment programmes for embarking on your addiction recovery journey. Smarmore Castle’s residential facility partners with private healthcare […]

Three people inside sitting on chairs, talking, two women sitting across from a man

HSE Funding for Rehab at Smarmore Castle

At Smarmore Castle, we recognise the financial considerations involved in seeking mental health and addiction treatment. Our commitment is to provide services with accessible funding options to alleviate these concerns. If you’re seeking rehab services in Ireland, the Health Service Executive (HSE) might be able to provide financial support to help cover some of your […]

Admissions via Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Solutions

Funding Rehab Through Private Medical Insurance Funding rehab through private medical insurance offers several benefits. It can alleviate the financial burden of treatment, making high-quality care more accessible. Insurance often covers a range of services, including detox, therapy, and aftercare, ensuring comprehensive treatment. Local HSE services may not cater to the specific treatments you require […]

Addiction treatment in progress at Smarmore Castle, image showing four people sitting in chairs in a circle talking

Your Alcohol Screening Results

Making Sense of Your Results Was this result a surprise to you? Have you been concerned about your alcohol 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, […]