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.

The Benefits of Swimming in Drug and Alcohol Rehab

The Smarmore Castle indoor pool is open daily for swimming sessions. Our fitness trainer provides aqua-aerobics sessions to help support recovery. People who arrive at a residential rehab for detox and therapy are usually in a poor physical state due to years of alcohol and drug misuse, and experiencing high levels of anxiety and stress. […]

What to Expect from Treatment

It Helps to Understand the Process Many people enter rehab not knowing what to expect, and quite a few leave without really knowing what has happened. If you’re in a clinic for a surgical procedure, you may not know exactly what the doctors are doing, you simply put your trust in them to mend your […]

Low Self Esteem and Addiction – How Are They Related?

Does it matter what others think of us? Apart from people affected by certain mental illnesses such as psychopathy, almost every one of us is affected to some extent by the opinions of others. Low self-esteem can lead to addiction and it can also reinforce it. Let us understand how low self esteem and addiction are […]

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 […]

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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 […]

Self-Care Does Not Mean Self-Medication: Coping Strategies for Addiction due to Stress at Work

Demanding jobs are the norm these days. They can be satisfying but are often highly stressful too. Anyone involved with the public, such as police, health or social workers, or teachers, might agree. Stress at work can lead to addiction because we sometimes learn to unwind from stress in inappropriate ways. In this article we shall […]

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 […]

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, […]