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.

How to Know When a Loved One Needs Alcohol Rehab

Alcohol rehab is not the end of the world. It may feel that way to the person who is heading off to recover from addiction because it is a brand new phase of life. There is a process to go through prior to rehab including assessment and diagnosis. Learning how to identify the markers of […]

Can An Alcoholic Ever Drink Again?

The short answer is no, a person who struggles with alcoholism cannot ever drink again. The long answer is, a person who drinks and has addiction will always struggle with cravings and triggers. Some people may try to justify having a drink socially, here and there, but there are some important reasons to re-consider drinking […]

Healthy Eating Can Aid Sober Living

Eating healthy can go a long way towards helping people on the road to addiction recovery. A common belief in addiction recovery is whether to indulge in drug or alcohol addiction. Evidence suggests eating healthy is one of the best ways to aid in sober living. More information on our addiction treatment Alcohol Drugs […]

The Role of Drug Rehab for Helping Depression

It is not uncommon for people to know someone in the family or amongst friends who has struggled with addiction. Many people have a difficult time understanding addiction. Many different reasons exist why a person may experience depression but understanding how drug rehabilitation and depression go hand-in-hand can be helpful. Treatments are usually set […]

A man wearing a beige jumper talking to a therapist about heroin addiction.

Tips for Stress Management in Recovery

Stress is a normal part of life, but for people in recovery from addiction, it can also be a trigger for relapse. Managing stress effectively is an essential skill for maintaining long-term sobriety and emotional balance. At Smarmore Castle rehab clinic, we encourage every patient with alcohol addiction or drug addiction to create a personal […]

How to Be an Advocate for Recovery

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, […]

How to Walk Through Temptation and Stay Sober

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. […]

Withdrawal Symptoms of Ecstasy

Despite its popularity as a “club drug” and the belief that it is a safe drug, Ecstasy or MDMA is addictive, and individuals who use this drug can experience severe withdrawal symptoms that are akin to the symptoms of withdrawal from heroin or methamphetamines. Ecstasy is a psychoactive central nervous system stimulant. When a user […]

When Kids are Exposed to Drugs at Home

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 […]

What to Do When the Urge to Drink Returns

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?

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 […]

How Long Does Nicotine Withdrawal Usually Last?

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 […]