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.

Picture of Smarmore Castle Private Rehab Clinic building in the sunshine

How to Prepare for Rehab, Both Mentally and Logistically

Taking the next step to start rehab for drug or alcohol addiction can be daunting for most people. Often, there can be underlying questions like how do I prepare for rehab? What will I do there? Am I ready? What happens after rehab is complete? Without answers, these critical questions may cause anxiety, but there […]

Three people sit in chairs inside talking at Smarmore Castle Private Rehab Clinic

Rehab For Executives And CEOs

Alcohol and drug addiction impact all levels of the workforce, including those in senior positions. The pressures of leadership, combined with easy access to substances, can create a challenging environment for executives and CEOs. However, it’s essential to recognise that this issue is more widespread than many people realise and no one should feel alone […]

Types of Addictive Behaviours

Understanding Behavioural and Process Addictions In a world increasingly dominated by instant gratification and digital connections, behavioural and process addictions have become more prevalent. These addictions, unlike drug addiction or alcohol addiction, involve compulsive engagement in non-substance-related activities that can disrupt daily life. Typically, people who find themselves struggling with behavioural addictions are those seeking […]

Two people inside at Smarmore Castle sitting in armchairs and talking to each other about addiction

Addiction: Getting Help for Myself

Recognising addiction in yourself marks the beginning of a journey towards healing and recovery. This guide is designed to help you identify the signs of drug addiction and understand how to seek necessary help. Addiction is not just a physical dependence on substances; it’s a complex condition that affects multiple facets of your life, including […]

Two people talking outside in the sunshine sitting on benches that face one another at Smarmore Castle in Ireland

Addiction Treatment for a Loved One

Watching your loved one battling addiction is extremely painful and can leave you feeling helpless, frustrated and fearful. However, being in active addiction is also overwhelming and exhausting, and to increase the chances of getting someone into treatment, you might want to consider offering a helping hand. Choosing the right rehab is a crucial first […]

Indoor photo of a therapist explaining something to a patient during a session

Treatment for Prescription Drug Addiction

Prescription drug misuse can quickly spiral into addiction, even with medications prescribed by a healthcare professional. If you are dependent on prescription medication or are experiencing unpleasant side effects as a result of prescription drug addiction, our help centre staff are here to offer confidential advice and support. What is Prescription Drug Addiction? Prescription drug […]

Signs You are Misusing Alcohol

What is Considered Alcohol Misuse? Alcohol misuse refers to excessive alcohol use that increases your risk of harm. Drinking habits include consuming too much alcohol over the week and binge drinking – alcohol consumption of more than 8 units for men or 6 units for women in a single drinking episode. Regularly drinking too much […]

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Experience Smarmore Castle – Addiction Rehab in Ireland

A Place to Recover, Reconnect and Rebuild Whether you’ve found this page looking for help for yourself or for someone you love, you’re in the right place. We know the decision to seek help isn’t easy, but at Smarmore Castle, you’ll find a safe and supportive environment, expert care, and people who genuinely want to […]

A group of people pose together for a photo, some wearing red and white santa claus hats

Christmas in Rehab

It’s the “most wonderful time of the year,” or so the familiar tune goes. Unfortunately, this doesn’t ring true for everyone, especially if you’re suffering from alcohol or drug addiction. In fact, the holiday season can be extra stressful for many people, even those without substance misuse issues. If you’re in active addiction, the Christmas […]

Can Alcoholics Drink Casually?

The terms ‘Alcoholism’ and ‘alcoholic’ are outdated and not used in professional circles. The term ‘Alcohol Use Disorder’ is the correct term used among substance misuse professionals, but for the purposes of our audience and their familiarity with the term, we have referred to the term ‘alcoholic’ in this article. For many suffering from alcohol […]

Photograph taken from above of a woman working from home with alcohol addiction, holding her head in her hands as she sits in front of a laptop with a diary, a journal, and a phone all around her

Working from Home and Alcohol Addiction

Remote Working – A Ticking Time Bomb for Addiction The Royal College of Physicians recently reported that around 8 million people in the UK have been drinking up to 50 units a week since the start of the pandemic in January 2020. Occupational Health specialist Dr Mike McCann, a Director at Castle Craig Hospital highlights […]

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy for Addiction

You’ve likely heard of different therapeutic approaches for addiction treatment, but have you considered Dialectical Behaviour Therapy? DBT is a cognitive behavioural approach that has shown significant effectiveness in treating various mental health disorders, from borderline personality disorder to substance use disorders. This therapy focuses not just on abstinence, but also on building skills like […]