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.

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, […]

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 […]

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 […]

5 Lies I Told Myself About my Husband’s Drug Addiction

A personal story of denial, courage, and the slow path to truth. Here’s How I Became an ‘Enabler’ Despite My Best Intentions When someone you love battles addiction, the weight of it can consume everything and you will tell yourself anything in order to cope. In those early days, you convince yourself you’re holding the […]

Side Effects of Cocaine and How to Dramatically Reduce Them

Understanding the Feelings of a Cocaine High Even the highest-quality cocaine carries the risk of overdose and poses numerous dangerous cardiac and neurological consequences. On top of that, cocaine is known to trigger mental illnesses or worsen the condition of someone struggling with depression, anxiety, or bipolar. Regardless of why you choose to do cocaine […]

At Smarmore Castle we have developed a specialised and effective treatment programme for alcohol addiction.

The Number Heroin Users in Treatment in Ireland Hit Record Numbers

Heroin Users in Ireland Needing Addiction Help Reaches Record Numbers Here at Smarmore Castle, we treat huge numbers of heroin-dependent users every year. Over the last decade, our admissions department has seen substantial increases in heroin-dependent individuals seeking help, support, and recovery. See treating heroin addiction. But it’s not just our specialised addiction team that […]

How our Gambling Treatment Programme Works

More Than 1 in 5 Irish Men Are at Risk of Developing a Gambling Habit

Huge Rise in Gambling over 10 years More Than 1 in 5 Irish Men Are at Risk of Developing a Gambling Habit: For decades, we have seen how addiction to Gambling can tear apart families and destroy lives – however, today, with the normalisation of betting, fifth more young gamblers are at risk of developing […]

Belfast Addiction Services

Types of Belfast Addiction Services We understand addiction like no one else. Whatever your vice is, we know that addiction can often make you feel like you’re all alone, with no one there to listen or understand your story, let alone help guide you to the other side. Everyone suffering from an addiction deserves to […]

Why You’re so Hooked: The Science Behind Gambling

Gambling: What Happens in the brain when we Get Hooked – and How to Regain Control A gambling addiction can happen to anyone at any time. Gambling is so very addictive due to the potential rewards and dopamine release to the brain.Let us understand the science behind gambling in this article. When the brain reacts […]