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.

Three friends on phones outside laughing and talking

Social support in recovery: how your social group affects your chances

Why the people around you matter Researchers William White, one of the leading figures in addiction recovery science in the United States, and Professor David Best from the UK have spent decades studying what makes recovery last. Their most consistent finding is that recovery is as much a social process as an individual one. White […]

Low Mood vs Depression: What’s the Difference?

Life’s challenges, setbacks, and losses can cast temporary shadows on our emotions. However, when these feelings persist and deepen, it becomes crucial to distinguish between what is commonly known as “low mood” and a potentially more serious condition – depression. Everyone experiences moments of sadness or feeling down from time to time, but low mood […]

woman looking alarmed over a cocaine overdose

Cocaine overdose – symptoms and what to do

Understanding the signs of a cocaine overdose and knowing what to do can be life-saving. Get medical help immediately if you think you or someone else has overdosed on cocaine. Don’t wait – call 112 now. If you suspect a cocaine overdose – call 112 immediately If you think someone may be experiencing an overdose on […]

The Dangers of Quitting Alcohol Cold Turkey

If you’re wondering what happens when you drink alcohol every day and then stop, this article will help you understand. We’ll cover questions including ‘Can an alcoholic just stop drinking?’ and ‘Can you die from alcohol withdrawal?’. First, we’ll look at what happens when you stop drinking cold turkey and what symptoms you can expect […]

Two people in a family therapy session as part of addiction rehab

6 Serious Effects of Drug Addiction on Family Members

Drug use not only affects the person from mind to body, but it also puts a strain on those closest to them. Family members may experience shame, anger, fear, or self-blame if their loved one uses drugs. The extent of the effect also depends on how long the drugs have been in their life. Drug […]

A group of people playing rock paper scissors

Is My Addiction Bad Enough to Go to Rehab?

Addiction is subjective. You might think you’re just winding down with a few drinks after work, or take drugs so you can enjoy yourself to the max at the weekend. Maybe you’re convinced you can stop taking the Xanax once you’ve got your anxiety under control, or you inject heroin recreationally. Whatever your situation, there […]

a woman looking at her phone whilst in company of friends displaying her addiction to social media

Are you addicted to social media? 12 ways to stop scrolling

In today’s digital age, it’s become all too easy to fall into the habit of mindless scrolling on social media. With the rise of smartphones and social platforms, many people find themselves addicted to social media, endlessly swiping, scrolling, and consuming content without realising how much time has passed. For some, this behaviour develops into […]

Man sitting in a dark room on a couch with his head resting on his hand - symbolises Depression After Quitting Alcohol

What Do They Do to Get You Off Drugs in Rehab?

If you want to learn more about how rehab can help you break free from your addiction and start your recovery journey, you’re in the right place. In this article we’ll look at the first steps involved in overcoming addiction, before moving on to the detox process and what that involves. Next, we cover some […]

Group therapy session with four people sitting in a circle and a woman with tattoos talking to a therapist

Why is Codeine Addictive?

What Is Codeine? Codeine is an everyday painkiller that you can buy over the counter. It can also be prescribed by a doctor if you have had an injury, or following surgery, and is often prescribed for diarrhoea. It works by binding to receptors in the brain and this blocks feelings of pain from the […]

a mother looking distressed as her son walks out the front door of their house showing the effects of drug addiction on family members

6 Serious Effects of Drug Addiction on Family Members

What is the Result of Combining Morphine with Alcohol?

The use of alcohol and morphine, separately or combined, can lead to substantial health problems. As depressants, they can cause immediate effects such as extreme drowsiness, uncoordinated movements, and delayed reactions. The consumption of both substances in high amounts can escalate to life-threatening conditions like coma or death. The Short-Term Health Effects of Alcohol and […]

Close up view of people's legs sitting across from one another in a therapy session

AA vs Al-Anon: What’s the Difference?

When navigating the world of recovery and support groups, particularly those associated with alcohol misuse and addiction, getting lost in the sea of acronyms, methodologies, and purposes can be easy. Two such groups, Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Al-Anon, often become intertwined in discussions because of their shared historical roots and their focus on dealing with […]