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.

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 […]

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 […]

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. This article will explore the following: Signs […]

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 […]

Addiction Therapy FAQs

What Is Drug Addiction Counselling and How Does It Work? Counselling is an essential part of drug addiction treatment. It provides a safe space for you to explore the reasons behind your addiction and recognise the triggers that make you turn to drink, drugs, gambling, sex, video games or whichever dependency you’re battling. Working with […]

Ketamine Withdrawal Symptoms, Timeline & Detox Treatment

Ketamine belongs to a class of drugs known as dissociative anaesthetics. When taken in small doses, it can manage pain that hasn’t responded to standard treatment. However, it isn’t commonly used and will only be prescribed following advice from a specialist. More often, it is used as a tranquilliser in veterinary settings. Because of its […]

Two people have a conversation about alcoholism

Living With an Alcoholic Partner: What to Expect and How to Cope

What a Spouse Living With an Alcohol Use Disorder May Experience If you have an alcoholic partner you will feel as though there are three people in the relationship – you, them and the booze. Unfortunately, due to the nature of addiction, and despite their best intentions, your partner will almost always put the drink […]

A woman talking with a doctor who is going through paperwork

Vapes: Side Effects of Vaping

Does Vaping Help You Quit Smoking? Vaping is considered to be one of the best tools to help you quit smoking, and you’re twice as likely to quit using vaping than you would we other nicotine-replacement products such as patches or gum. Not only is vaping less harmful than smoking, but you can control the […]

Does Cocaine Misuse Make You Lose Weight?

Most people who abuse drugs tend to be thin, but this is especially true with cocaine. We have all heard stories claiming cocaine misuse results in weight loss, and popular culture often portrays it as an appetite suppressant, but does science back this up? Does cocaine suppress your appetite and lead to weight loss? We […]

How Do Drugs Affect Your Eyes: Redness, Dilated & Pinpoint Pupils

Misusing drugs can cause several negative side effects affecting both mental and physical health. One consequence of severe or chronic substance misuse is changes in vision, including pupil size, the colour of the whites and vision function. Over time, substance misuse can result in a number of eye conditions, including permanent vision loss. Different types […]

What is Cocaine Nose?

How Does Cocaine Damage the Nose? It might sound comical but ‘cocaine nose’ or ‘coke nose’ is no laughing matter. It means that the constant snorting of cocaine has caused structural damage to your nose, which is not just unsightly but can affect your ability to breathe properly. When you snort cocaine, blood vessels in […]

Does Alcohol Cause Acne?

Everyone knows that excessive alcohol consumption damages your health. It can take a toll on the skin, even if alcohol is not the direct cause of acne. So, how alcohol affects your body, and how could this impact your skin? Alcohol Can Trigger Acne, But It’s Not the Direct Cause Acne is a skin condition […]