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, New York Post, The Guardian.

About Smarmore Castle

A Historic Setting for Recovery Smarmore Castle is a private addiction treatment clinic set in a tranquil 15-acre estate in County Louth. A fine period house steeped in history and charm, it incorporates a medieval tower, dating back to 1320. Today, this peaceful, historic setting has been thoughtfully restored to provide a safe and welcoming […]

Addiction Help and Advice

At some point in their lives, many people will have a family member, partner, or friend, who is suffering from drug or alcohol addiction. The information and issues surrounding addictions and rehab treatment can seem overwhelming. It can be difficult to know how to manage a situation like this, and many people have already tried […]

Rehab Admissions

Ready To Take The Next Step? Deciding to begin the rehab admissions process for residential addiction treatment is a big step, and a brave one, too. You may be feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or even hopeful and ready for change. Whatever your situation, our team are here to make our admissions process as straightforward, stress-free, and […]

Why Smarmore Castle?

Why do more patients choose Smarmore Castle to recover? High Standards At Smarmore Castle, we hold ourselves to rigorous inspections by CHKS, an independent quality improvement inspectorate. Smarmore is ISO 9001 accredited and CHKS accredited. Our most recent CHKS inspection reported that Smarmore Castle has the following: “amazing setting” | “impressive, spacious and clean” | […]

Alcohol and Pregnancy: Risks, Alcoholism, Treatment

To drink or not to drink while pregnant is a subject that has long been debated and one surrounded by much controversy. Due to stigma and fear of shame, many women are reluctant to even ask the question. Others see no problem in taking an occasional drink. Unclear guidelines and mixed information don’t help people […]

How Summer Can Benefit Addiction Recovery: 7 Tips for Summer

The sun is shining, the temperatures are rising, and the days are longer. You know what that means – summer is officially here! While some may argue that summer can pose challenges to those in addiction recovery, with boozy BBQs, late pub evenings and cheeky cocktail picnics common, that doesn’t have to be the case. […]

The Dangers of Nitrous Oxide: No Laughing Matter

Surely at some point you’ve spotted small bullet-like metallic canisters littered around the street. If you’re wondering what they are, you may be surprised to know they’re nitrous oxide, better known as laughing gas. Nitrous oxide is currently legal to possess in Ireland, but not legal to sell for human consumption. For some time now, […]

How Long Does Cocaine Stay in Your System?

How long does cocaine stay in your system? A single line of cocaine can stay in your system and show up on a drug test five days later. However, if you’re a long-term and heavy user, traces of the drug can be found many months or even years after complete cessation. Sometimes up to 90 […]

Sleeping Pill Addiction

Sleeping pills are so widely used these days that we may not think twice when we see someone taking them. There is a dizzying range of sleeping pills available, from herbal supplements to OTC medications to prescription pills – and not all of them are as harmless as one would think. Some sleeping pills can […]

The Cycle of Addiction

It’s Friday night and you’re bored. You’re brainstorming things to do and recall how much fun that party last week was, despite the wicked hangover afterwards. So, you decide to call your friends and invite them to the bar. Unfortunately, they’re busy and you’re disappointed. Due to lack of other options, you go on your […]

A Tribute To A Dear Friend & Colleague…

Our colleague and friend Billy Anderson tragically lost his life yesterday in a car accident. He will be sorely missed by everyone here at Smarmore Castle. Words from our team: “Everyone loved Billy. Kind, loving, compassionate, funny, generous, and energetic are just some of the words uttered this morning by his peers to describe him.” […]

Picture of two women talking in addiction treatment at Smarmore Castle Private Rehab Clinic in Ireland

How Long Does Alcohol Stay in Your System?

How Long Does Alcohol Stay in Your System? Blood, Breath, Hair, Urine The process of alcohol metabolism is a complex one. There is no straightforward answer to how long alcohol stays in your system. As a guideline, you may have heard that a person processes about 1 unit of alcohol per hour. For a guesstimate, […]