Victoria McCann BA, MSc

If your friend or family member has gone into treatment for a drug or alcohol problem, you’re probably quite happy and relieved. It can be heartbreaking to watch a loved one struggle with addiction and all the misery it brings. Being an advocate for recovery means more than just showing support; it requires understanding, patience, […]

We get the invitation: A co-worker is retiring, and there’s a send off at the local restaurant/bar. Or, an old friend is flying in from out of town, and the gang is planning a welcome-home party. Though we know there’ll be alcohol or drugs at these gatherings, we’re sure we won’t be tempted to partake. […]

When Children Are Exposed to Drugs or Alcohol at Home For parents who used substances before starting their families, the temptation to continue that behaviour can be strong, particularly when substance use has become a familiar coping mechanism. Some may rationalise using drugs or alcohol in front of their children by suggesting it helps them […]

Managing Cravings and Urges in Alcohol Recovery For many people in recovery from alcohol addiction, the decision to stop drinking is only the first step. The physical discomfort of withdrawal during detox can be intense, but what often follows is just as challenging: navigating cravings, triggers and emotional ups and downs that emerge during early […]

What Causes a Hangover? Symptoms, Science & What to Watch For After a night of heavy drinking, many people wake up feeling miserable, plagued by nausea, fatigue, brain fog, or an unrelenting headache. These symptoms make up what we commonly call a hangover. It’s a physical response that can range from unpleasant to debilitating, and […]

The American Author, Mark Twain, once remarked, “It’s easy to quit smoking, I’ve done it hundreds of times.” For those living with nicotine dependence, this sentiment often feels painfully accurate. Nicotine withdrawal involves a combination of physical symptoms and emotional disruption that can make quitting feel nearly impossible without support. But knowing what to expect […]

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that has become a major cause of overdose deaths in North America. While Ireland has not experienced the same scale of fentanyl-related fatalities, recent trends suggest it is important to remain vigilant. The emergence of fentanyl in Dublin, Ireland’s illicit drug supply, even in small quantities, poses a significant threat […]

 Completing residential addiction treatment can feel like the beginning of a new life. For many, the distance from home brings clarity, safety and hope. But returning to familiar surroundings – especially where substance use once took root – can feel daunting. Whether you’re moving back to your hometown or simply leaving the protective structure of […]

Bereavement Therapy in Residential Treatment Losing someone close to you can shake your entire sense of self. When grief becomes too painful to manage, it’s common to turn to alcohol or drugs or harmful behaviours to cope. But while these responses may numb pain in the short term, they often deepen emotional suffering and delay […]