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.

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 […]

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 […]

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

How to Set Realistic Goals During Recovery

Choosing to begin your recovery journey is a commendable and courageous decision, that comes with both challenges and triumphs. Central to this journey is the art of setting realistic goals, a skill that can significantly influence the success and sustainability of recovery. Here we’ll discuss the importance of establishing attainable, measurable, and personally meaningful objectives, […]

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

Addiction Treatment for Veterans

At Smarmore Castle, we recognise the unique challenges faced by veterans trying to overcome addiction. Our dedicated team approaches this sensitive subject with the utmost compassion, understanding that for many veterans, the path to addiction began as a coping mechanism for the profound experiences they have endured. Service in the military often comes with high-stress […]

Mindfulness and Addiction Recovery: Why is it Important?

In recent years, mindfulness has emerged as a transformative tool in helping people with addiction recovery. While the roots of mindfulness stem from long-standing Eastern philosophy and traditions, a growing body of new research demonstrates its true benefits for your mental well-being. People often forget that addiction starts in the mind before it can affect […]

Three people sitting in armchairs talking in a group therapy session at Smarmore Castle

Medication-Assisted Treatment vs Abstinence-Based Treatment

Looking into treatment options for your opioid, narcotic or alcohol addiction is an important milestone. For many, it can also be overwhelming, with conflicting advice and so many programme options. We’re here to help you cut through the jargon and understand the choices available to you. Treatment programmes can take two main forms: MAT, medication-assisted […]

Aerial photo of Smarmore Castle, addiction rehab, and grounds with trees framing the buildings and courtyard

Overcoming Cravings Through Mindfulness: Tips for People in Recovery

Managing cravings isn’t a test of willpower; it’s a balance of strategy and self-compassion. As you go through recovery, you can begin to understand them better. What are your triggers? What helps and what doesn’t? In this article, we’ll explain the biology behind cravings and mindful techniques that can help you develop strategies to manage […]

The Importance of Boundaries in Addiction Recovery

Why Healthy Boundaries Are Important to Recovery Setting healthy boundaries is a crucial aspect of recovery. You could say that it is second only to maintaining sobriety. Boundaries protect your well-being as well as your resolve; they keep you safe from unhealthy relationships. They allow you to prioritise your needs, your recovery and yourself. If […]

Indoor picture of two women sitting in chairs in a therapy session smiling while offering support to each other

Addiction Rehab for Women

How Are Women Affected by Addiction? The way women are affected by alcohol or drug addiction and go on to deal with the symptoms of addiction can be significantly different from men. Women often face unique challenges in their battle with drug or alcohol addiction, including societal stigma, emotional and hormonal differences, and specific life […]

People sitting in armchairs and on a sofa around a coffee table, playing board games at Smarmore Castle while undergoing treatment for addiction

The Unique Challenges Women Face in Addiction Recovery – Smarmore Castle

Addiction can happen to all of us, regardless of gender, class, skin colour or creed. Despite this seeming universality, recovery doesn’t look the same for everyone. Biological, social, and cultural differences mean that women face a unique set of challenges when overcoming addiction. Their bodies react differently to both the consumption and withdrawal from alcohol […]