Victoria McCann BA, MSc

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.

Seasonal Affective Disorder and Addiction – Is There a Link?

At this time of year, as the seasons change, people start to talk about the seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and its links to addictive behaviour, particularly substance misuse. The two conditions can be treated concurrently. Symptoms of SAD should never be ignored.   What Is Seasonal Affective Disorder and Addiction?  SAD is a mental health disorder […]

What are the best options for drug and alcohol treatment in Ireland?

Trouble With the Law? How Addiction leads to Legal Problems

Addiction leads to legal problems in a variety of unexpected ways. Rehabilitation from an addiction of any kind should not be judgmental and help is available for those attempting to recover regardless of past legal problems.  Legal Consequences Are Often Unforeseen Addicted people are especially at risk of falling foul of the law. Addiction will […]

Understanding the Mind of a Gambling Addict

Much compulsive gambling behaviour is based on unrealistic thinking, to a greater degree than that found in other addictions. We are all conditioned to gambling by life, perhaps unknowingly, but it is how we respond that dictates if we will become addicted or not. At Smarmore Castle, admissions for Gambling Disorders increase yearly. In this article, […]

Can You Drink Alcohol While Breastfeeding?

There are many misconceptions about drinking while breastfeeding and scientific research on the subject over the years has been limited. For new mothers, it can be difficult to figure out if they can have a drink or should avoid alcohol completely. You can find out the latest HSE health guidance and research on this page. […]

90 Meetings in 90 Days and Their Surprising Benefits

As AA mantras go, this must be one of the most daunting, especially as its advice was often given to newcomers. You can imagine people reacting: “but you just told me to take it a day at a time…” Most certainly it is a big ask for anyone, but successful recovery from addiction is not […]

gambling-addiction

Can You Drink Alcohol With Ibuprofen. Is It Safe or Dangerous?

Can You Drink Alcohol With Ibuprofen and Alcohol, Is It Safe? Ibuprofen is one of the most widely used anti-inflammatory painkillers available. Its effectiveness in treating mild to moderate pain and fever makes it a go-to for many common ailments. Available without a prescription, it is strong enough to treat everything from fever and menstrual […]

Patient listening intently to a doctor explaining patient symptoms or asking a question as they discuss paperwork together in a consultation

Is It Safe Mixing Antibiotics With Alcohol?

Can You Mix Antibiotics With Alcohol? It’s generally accepted wisdom that you should avoid alcohol mixing antibiotics with alcohol because of potential side effects. While in many cases alcohol doesn’t actually make the antibiotics less effective, it can result in some unpleasant symptoms which, combined with the negative effect of alcohol on the immune system, […]

Using Alcohol as a Coping Mechanism for Denial

Denial as a Powerful Symptom of Alcoholism  Chances are you likely have an idea of what coping is – we all have coping mechanisms we automatically use daily. But did you know that denial can keep you alive? Therapists and psychiatrists often talk of denial as if it is something terrible or unnatural. However often […]

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10 Things I Don’t Miss About my Alcohol Addiction

Living an Alcohol-Free Life – Why It’s Better than Ever Things I Don’t Miss About My Alcohol Addiction From feeling constantly angry and depressed to being permanently broke, my alcohol addiction caused a series of bad decisions that I will always regret. Only the other day, someone asked me if I missed alcohol. Almost a […]

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Five things I learned about my partner’s struggle with drug addiction

This is an anonymised story of a woman and her husband’s struggle with drug addiction. She shares some of her experiences as she tried to manage his illness, and how they eventually found hope for the future. “When someone you love battles addiction, the weight of it can consume everything, and you will tell yourself […]