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.

At Smarmore Castle we have developed a specialised and effective treatment programme for alcohol addiction.

Alcohol Rehab

Deciding to seek help with your drinking is one of the bravest decisions you can make. Alcohol is by far one of the hardest drugs to give up for several reasons. Firstly, drinking alcohol is a huge part of our culture and everyday life, but more importantly, coming off alcohol can be dangerous without the […]

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

Aftercare/Continuing Care

Aftercare 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 is […]

Complementary Therapies at Smarmore Rehab Clinic

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 […]

Discharge Planning & Ongoing Support

Recovery is a lifelong process. At Smarmore we devise a detailed discharge plan that ensures all necessary arrangements are in place for the ongoing recovery of our patients leaving treatment. Our Plan for Ongoing Recovery The consultant psychiatrist, the patient’s focal therapist and nursing team liaise with GPs and referring agencies, to make sure that they […]

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? […]

Undergoing Treatment

At Smarmore Castle Private Clinic we focus on care, and respect the dignity of the person suffering from addiction and we work towards meeting the specific needs of each individual and uniquely affected person and their families. The treatment programme at Smarmore Castle begins a life-long journey in recovery aiming for a sober network of friends and strong […]

A photo depicting addiction therapy at Smarmore Castle with seven people sitting on chairs in a circle, talking, 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 […]

Contact Smarmore Castle

Our Admissions Team Are Here to Guide You We understand that the logistics of seeking help for yourself or a loved one can feel daunting. Rest assured our team of caring advisors are here to guide you. Whether you have questions about our admissions process, treatment programme, costs and funding, our team will be able […]

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 and […]