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.

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 […]

But until something terrible happens to you or a loved one due to alcoholism, you will never truly grasp the true magnitude of alcohol addiction in Ireland and the number of lives it destroys.

Positive Benefits of Sobriety & Quitting Drinking

Benefits of Sobriety Giving up alcohol has countless positive effects on your physical and mental health. When you’re ready to stop drinking you will notice a number of changes over the days and weeks following your last drink – from improved sleep and lowered blood pressure in the short-term, to other crucial long-term health benefits […]

Can Social Media Help Addiction Recovery?

Can Social Media Help Addiction Recovery? These days, Twelve Step programmes are available to help recovery from any addiction. They have several defining characteristics: Acceptance, Self-help and Spirituality being notably significant. Perhaps less appreciated is the concept of Community that they all contain. The Power of ‘We’ The power of addiction cannot be overcome alone; […]

Citizen’s Information for Free Drug Addiction Services

Where to Find Information for Free Drug Addiction Services If you require free treatment for drug addiction, various options are available to you – however, it will depend on your needs and severity. In the public health service, non-residential treatment is free of charge. You can claim free addiction treatment services provided by HSE Drug […]

Addicted to Cocaine? Use Our Addiction Self Assessment Tool to Find Out

Cocaine Self-Assessment Quiz This Addiction self assessment addiction tool will help you to evaluate whether you have an addictive relationship to cocaine and whether you may need to speak to a professional. Do you frequently take cocaine and find that once you start, you can’t stop? The quiz questions below can help you find out […]

Free 2 Minute Gambling Addiction Self Test

Gambling Addiction Self Test. Are You a Problem Gambler? The below self-assessment aims to indicate whether you or a loved one is addicted to gambling. The questions below relate to real-life experiences common to gamblers and those suffering from a gambling addiction. Read the questions carefully and see if any similar challenges within the past […]

What are The Best Options for Drug and Alcohol Treatment in Ireland?

There Are Four Types Drug and Alcohol Treatment in Ireland They can be broken down into: If you require immediate help, support or advice on your options, get in touch with us here. Or speak to us on Live Chat. Charity-Run Rehab Facilities: It’s important you take the time to understand the advantages and disadvantages […]

Do you identify with the Seven Signs of love addiction?

Do I Have a Love Addiction?

Do I Have a Love Addiction? What Are the Signs and Symptoms If you’ve answered yes to many of the above, then you might be suffering from love addiction. Once this addiction sets in, it can constantly affect your behaviours and negatively impact your mental health. Free Love Addiction Assessments Perhaps we can shed some […]

Is Your Partner’s Porn Addiction Ruining Your Life?

Porn Addiction Nearly Ruined My Marriage – Don’t Let it Happen to Yours Please read my story if you don’t believe that porn is a real addiction. My husband’s fix was online porn and acting out – over the years, it destroyed me, him, and our family. In the beginning, I fell into the notion […]

Understanding The Pain of Alcohol Induced Panic Attacks

Alcohol and Anxiety: Panic Attacks After or During Drinking Are you suffering from alcohol-induced panic attacks? Consuming alcohol can trigger panic attacks, while others experience extreme nervousness after drinking. However, regular panic attacks induced by alcohol are a serious matter that can lead to addiction. If you start drinking and cannot always stop or predict […]

Do I Have a Problem With Alcohol?: Quiz

Do I Have a Problem With Alcohol? Alcohol Self-Assessment Test Are you concerned that you might be drinking too much alcohol? Have you asked yourself “am I an alcoholic?” This self-evaluation for an alcohol use disorder will screen you for symptoms of alcohol addiction. The below self-assessment questionnaire screens for dangerous or harmful alcohol consumption, […]

The Painkiller Drug Crisis in Ireland

Tackling rural drug addiction: ‘People are buying boxes and boxes of codeine-based drugs’ As drug addiction experts in County Louth, we know all too well that the prescription drug crisis across Ireland is consistently getting worse. Smarmore Castle is a rehab facility an hour’s drive from Dublin, which has treated over 1,500 reclaim their lives […]