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.

Can You Overdose on Cannabis? Understand the Dangers

While fatal overdoses are extraordinarily rare, they aren’t impossible. More commonly though, people experience distressing symptoms due to consuming too much weed – something akin to an ‘overdose’. This article will help you recognise the signs of such an episode and give tips on how to prevent it. Can You Overdose on Weed? It’s crucial […]

Understanding Medications for Alcohol Withdrawal: A Comprehensive Overview

Alcohol Dependence and Detox Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome Historically, the recognition of alcoholism as a medical condition, especially for those with a chronic history of alcohol dependency, at first led to a search for pharmacological treatment that would mitigate detox and unpleasant symptoms and later expanded to treating patients seeking long-term sobriety and relapse prevention. Alcohol […]

Man with king baby syndrome in a therapy session holds his head in his hands while a therapist talks to him

King Baby Syndrome and addiction

“King Baby Syndrome” refers to a behavioural pattern often associated with addiction and can significantly impact personal relationships, work life, and overall well-being. This syndrome is characterised by a form of narcissism where individuals are self-focused, have high expectations of others, and find criticism or failure challenging to deal with. They tend to be in […]

a narcissist with a substance addiction sitting at the bar with his friend

Is There a Link Between Narcissism and Addiction

The term ‘narcissist’ refers to someone with Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD), a mental condition characterised by an inflated sense of self-importance and a deep need for excessive attention and admiration. They often struggle with relationships, and this can sometimes lead to substance misuse as they seek ways to cope or enhance their grandiose self-image. But […]

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 […]

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 […]