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.

Epilepsy and Alcohol: Does Alcohol Trigger Epilepsy?

Alcohol and Epilepsy. Is It Ever Safe? Epilepsy is a condition that causes unusual electrical activity in the brain, and this can result in seizures, which are also known as fits. During these seizures, your body may jerk uncontrollably, and you may bite your tongue. You may lose consciousness and be unaware of what is […]

Is Codependency an Addiction?

Is Codependence an Addiction? What Are Its Psychological Effects? Codependency is when one or both people in a relationship are mentally, emotionally, or physically dependent on the other. It can sometimes be called ‘relationship addiction’ or ‘love addiction’, and it can affect any relationship, whether romantic, platonic, or part of a family set-up. Is codependency […]

7 Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms in Addiction

Addiction, including alcohol and drug addiction, is a brain disease that impacts various brain functions to do with reward, pleasure, memory, and motivation. It doesn’t just ‘happen’, instead it typically develops over a period of time. If you’re wondering what are the stages of addiction, they can be broadly characterised as initial use, which leads […]

What Are The Stages of Addiction? Understand The Five Stages of Drug Addiction From Experimentation to Full Blown Dependency

What Are The Stages of Addiction While many factors contribute to drug addiction, including genetics, environmental influences, socioeconomic status, and co-occurring mental health conditions, research has made clear five stages in the evolution of the illness of addiction — experimentation, social or regular use, risky use or abuse, addiction and dependency, and relapse. Those who […]

Benzodiazepines Detox: What To Expect

Benzodiazepines (benzos) are a broad class of anxiolytic, sedative, and sleep-inducing medications. They are also effective anticonvulsants and possess muscle-relaxant properties. Benzodiazepines slow down brain and nervous system activity and are the drugs of choice to relieve psychological and physical symptoms associated with anxiety. Additionally, benzodiazepines detox help to treat insomnia, epilepsy, and seizure-related disorders. […]

Three people sitting in armchairs talking in a group therapy session at Smarmore Castle

Is My Dad an Alcoholic?

Maybe you’ve noticed your dad’s behaviour has changed – he’s become moody and grumpy, or perhaps he’s shouting at you and other family members, and this is scaring you. Perhaps you’ve noticed a change in his lifestyle – he’s not getting to work on time, or he’s lost his job, and this has coincided with […]

Medically Managed Alcohol Detox Centre in Ireland

What Is Alcohol Detoxification? Alcohol detoxification is the process of clearing alcohol from the body after sustained use. During this period, your system begins adjusting to the absence of alcohol, which can lead to a range of withdrawal symptoms, both physical and emotional. These may include anxiety, insomnia, nausea or tremors. Alcohol detox, also known […]

Benzodiazepine Overdose: Side Effects and Dosage

Introduction Are you taking a benzodiazepine but would like to take more than prescribed? Do you think you might be addicted to benzodiazepines? Are you worried about a loved one that may be abusing a benzodiazepine? Are you concerned that you or someone you love is experiencing an overdose? Whatever your current situation may be, […]

Benzodiazepines Withdrawal: Symptoms, Detox, and Timelines

Benzodiazepines are a class of drugs used to treat anxiety, panic disorders, and sleeping issues. This depressant drug is available on prescription, yet due to its capacity for addiction, it is only recommended for short-term use of 2 – 4 weeks. Unfortunately, people can end up both intentionally and unintentionally addicted to benzodiazepines. If you, […]

Benzodiazepine and Alcohol

Introduction You may have been prescribed benzodiazepines, such as Valium or Xanax, for your anxiety or insomnia and are unsure if you can take them and still enjoy a few drinks at the weekend. Perhaps you’re buying the drugs illicitly to help chill you out, but find you’re blacking out after drinking on top. Whatever […]

Ruins of an old castle in County Meath, Ireland

Alcohol Rehab Near County Meath

Introduction This page introduces the services that Smarmore Castle private rehab clinic offers to the people of County Meath. We regularly welcome private patients from County Meath to our residential addiction treatment programme and we can arrange sober transport services from County Meath to bring you safely to our rehab. Our treatment programme is covered […]

A Dr talking to a patient with a stethoscope around her neck

Oxycodone Addiction: Why is Oxycodone so Addictive?

Oxycodone is an opioid medication prescribed for severe pain. But while it is an effective form of pain relief, it can lead to oxycodone addiction. Addiction to opioids, including prescription drugs like oxycodone, is a growing concern in the UK. Approximately half (2,219) of all drug poisoning deaths registered in 2021 involved an opioid (with heroin and morphine being […]