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.

Exercise and Fitness For Addiction Treatment & Recovery

Whether you’re overcoming addiction to alcohol or drugs, or dealing with other mental health issues exercise can play an important role in your recovery. Incorporating a regular exercise regimen into your routine can help you regain energy and positivity for life in a way that you may not have felt for some time if your […]

Lectures and Workshops

Most people suffering from alcohol and drug addiction don’t know why this has happened to them. We want to educate our patients and inform them that they are suffering from a disease, not a moral disorder. We want to educate our patients. We deliver lectures helping patients at Smarmore Castle to gain awareness of the […]

Therapeutic Community

A Powerful Tool in Recovery The therapeutic community at Smarmore Castle is one of the most important resources available to patients. On entering our programme, the patient joins a community of people going through similar experiences and united by the common desire for recovery. It provides a trusting, safe environment and an excellent source of […]

Painkiller Addiction

Prescription Painkiller Addiction & Treatment Prescription painkillers addiction is a type of substance use disorder that develops as a result of using prescription painkillers in a manner that is different from how they are prescribed. Prescription painkillers, or opioids, are medications typically used to manage moderate to severe pain. Painkillers can be highly addictive and […]

Ecstasy (MDMA) Addiction

Ecstasy is a psychoactive, stimulant drug which replicates some of the effects of amphetamines. It can be found in both pill or powder form, and is generally snorted or swallowed. Ecstasy is usually taken as a party drug, due to its effects of decreasing inhibitions, and producing feelings of euphoria, energy, and warmth towards others. […]

Sex Addiction

Help for a Sex Addiction Sexual compulsivity is a behavioural addiction characterised by the compulsive need to engage in sexual activities and view pornography to a degree that has a significantly negative impact on their life. Sex addiction can lead to relationship problems, friendship problems, difficulties at work, substance misuse, depression and sometimes suicide. Behavioural […]

Not Ready for Rehab?

Not Ready for Inpatient Treatment? ‘Denial’ is a symptom of addiction, and for many alcoholics and addicts, it is very hard to accept that they need help. Although their drug or alcohol use may have a devastating impact on their lives and those around them, they are generally the last person to accept the problems […]

Outdoor therapy session at Smarmore Castle rehab for drug and alcohol addiction with a man and a therapist sitting on a bench outside the castle

Continuing Care: Aftercare Provided By Smarmore Castle

Continuing Care Reduces the Risk of Relapse At Smarmore Castle, we understand that addiction is a lifelong condition, and this is why we continue to support patients after they have completed their treatment with us. We consider aftercare essential to reduce the risk of relapse after our patients have returned to their homes, and that […]

Complementary Therapies at Smarmore Castle

Treating Addiction with Alternative Therapies A variety of complementary and holistic therapies are offered alongside our primary addiction treatment programme. We offer practical and creative activities that balance the body and promote positive social interaction and self-expression. We aim to optimise the mental, physical and emotional health of our patients, so that they can continue […]

Addiction Treatment Programme

Our Addiction Treatment Programme at Smarmore Smarmore Castle Private Clinic is a private residential rehab clinic near Dublin. We treat alcoholism, drug addiction and gambling addiction as well as other behavioural addictions. Our programme includes medical assessment, medically managed detox and permanent supervision, alongside a carefully planned schedule of individual and group psychotherapy and complementary therapies. The programme is developed and […]

Targeted Therapies for Addiction

Since 1988 our staff have established a comprehensive range of specialised therapies that target addictions and the obstacles that can prevent recovery. At Smarmore Castle, personalised treatment programmes are tailored to include therapies that suit individual needs. One size doesn’t fit all when it comes to recovering from addiction. What are Targeted Therapies for Addiction? […]

A photo depicting addiction therapy at Smarmore Castle with seven people sitting on chairs in a circle, talking about continuing care, in a room with big windows with trees outside

Addictions

What is Addiction? Causes and Effects Addiction is a long-term illness, often misunderstood, that affects the brain, body, and behaviour. People with addiction feel compelled to use substances or repeat behaviours, even when these actions cause harm to themselves or others. Addiction is not a moral weakness, but is a health condition that gets worse […]