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.

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Diabetes and Substance Misuse

Diabetes is when there is too much sugar in your blood and not enough insulin in the body to regulate it. It can be a very stressful disease in making sure you eat right and get enough activity. According to the Substance Misuse and Rehabilitation journal, 50%-60% of those with diabetes are alcoholics and have […]

Addiction Treatment Programs Can Be Fun

For many people, the idea of entering rehab comes with a sense of dread. They imagine cold clinical environments, emotionally intense sessions, and endless self-examination. While structured therapy and personal reflection are essential parts of recovery, they’re only one side of the story. At Smarmore Castle, we believe that rehab can also be a place […]

Why Abstinence is the Best Choice for Recovery Compared to Moderation

Abstinence is the traditional method of recovery where you completely avoid abuse substances like alcohol or drugs. If seeking treatment, long-term abstinence is possible to do compared to without. According to the World Health Organization, 18.9% of the European population abstain. Moderation Management is a treatment program that teaches you how to regulate your drinking […]

Heroin Addiction Continues to be a Problem

Heroin is a very addictive and illegal opioid drug that tends to appear in the form of a white powder. This drug acts quickly in the body and may be smoked, snorted, or injected. Heroin causes you to feel pleasure by binding to opioid receptors in the body. Then, dopamine is released which can fuel […]

The 12 Steps for Gamblers

During the last forty years, thousands go to Gamblers Anonymous for those who gamble (GA) and for families of gamblers (Gam-Anon). It is important for gamblers to remember that they are not alone and that there is a sense of hope in their recovery. In order to be on the path of recovery, gamblers must […]

Benefits of Recovering in a Green Space

Forests, meadows, fields, flowers, and wide-open spaces serve a great purpose to our mental health compared to being cooped up inside. According to the Bureau of Labor, Americans spend 2.8 hours watching television which can increase insomnia, depression, fatigue, and isolation. The World Health Organization says the 3.3% of deaths is from lack of walking […]

Principles of Sex Addicts Anonymous

Sex Addicts Anonymous is for those who are addicted to unhealthy sexual behaviours. Members feel powerless against their own thoughts and urges. Despite the many failed attempts to get better and fix their lives, it was hard for them to do it alone. In Sex Addicts Anonymous, men and women come together to learn about […]

5 Reasons Why Psychotherapy is a Trusted Treatment for Addiction

There is evidence that says that addiction can change the chemistry of the brain. If that is the case, wanting to stop is not enough to want to live a sober life. While going cold turkey or joining a detox program can help you, it is not always for the long term. That is where […]

Alcohol Misuse in the Workplace

Having a drink or two is no longer something that should be taken lightly when at work. Unlike drugs, alcohol is not something that is universally condemned so it is easy in Europe for drinking to be hidden, not acknowledged, or not confronted when suspected. If workers continue to drink while at work, there could […]

How Do I Know that Pain Management Has Turned into a Painkiller Dependency?

In Member States such as in Denmark, Finland, Estonia, and Northern Ireland, there are many people with painkiller addictions. Scandinavia has the highest demand in treatment for sedatives and tranquilizers. According to the World Drug Report, 11% and 70% are addicted to benzodiazepines which are used to treat anxiety. While these drugs can work wonders […]

8 Signs You’ve Become Addicted to Marijuana

Marijuana is just like any other addiction that comes with its symptoms and consequences. The first step to going on the road to recovery is recognizing these symptoms. If you experience any of the following symptoms, then it is possible that you have an addiction to marijuana and need to seek help for it. One […]

“The Only Constant in Life Is Change” – Moving with the Times

How To Keep Up With Change The Greek philosopher Heraclitus said that “change is the only constant in life.” Not only is change always happening, but it is also unavoidable. Being afraid of change is expected. Especially when change comes unexpectedly, and everything you are used to becomes different. The truth is that change is […]