Victoria McCann BA, MSc

Victoria McCann BA, MSc

Communications Director and 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 since 2012, 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.

dual diagnosis addiction mental health

Foundation Programme

4-6 Week Rehab Programme Castle Craig’s foundation programme is for anyone ready to get help for addiction and is especially beneficial for those who require a medically supervised drug detox or alcohol detox, as well as intensive psychological therapy. When creating this programme, our addiction specialists acknowledged that each patient has unique needs, which is […]

Customised Addiction Treatment Programmes for Drug and Alcohol

Since opening in 1988, Castle Craig’s addiction rehab programme has been rooted in evidence-based practices and medically managed care. This approach ensures that patients receive safe and effective treatment for addiction. Committed to compassion and professionalism, Castle Craig designs supportive treatment programmes tailored to meet each individual’s unique needs. If you or someone you know […]

Hot Flush After Alcohol Consumption – What Does It Mean?

What are Hot Flushes? Hot flushes, commonly referred to as alcohol flush reactions or hot flashes, are a physiological response that can occur after drinking. Characteristics include the sudden reddening of the skin, particularly on the face and neck, and a sensation of warmth or heat. Other physical symptoms such as a rapid heart rate, […]

Is Ibuprofen Addictive? Your Questions Answered

Most people who buy Ibuprofen as an over-the-counter medication to relieve pain or muscle aches do not think that it can be dangerous or addictive. Yet, too much Ibuprofen can have damaging side effects and Ibuprofen dependency does exist as a health condition. It is not just illegal or prescription drugs that can cause problems […]

What is king baby syndrome?

King baby syndrome describes a pattern of learned behaviour. It emerges when the emotional development that normally happens in childhood gets disrupted, and a person carries those early coping strategies into adult life. On the outside, it looks like control and demand, but underneath, there’s fear and vulnerability. The term was developed by Tom Cunningham […]

I’m Going on Holiday – How Can I Stay Sober?

Vacations for the Newly Sober Can Be Risky If you are relatively new to sobriety or someone who is trying hard to achieve it on a lasting basis, then holidays – especially those involving trips to places that are associated with drinking alcohol, such as the beach in Spain or a ski resort – can […]

Is EMDR Therapy Dangerous: Debunking Myths and Misconceptions

Are you curious about the potential dangers of Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy? Have you heard conflicting information about its effectiveness and safety? It’s important to separate fact from fiction when it comes to EMDR, as there are many myths and misconceptions surrounding this therapy. In this article, we will debunk these myths […]

workaholism

The Link Between Workaholism and Mental Health

Do you prioritise work above everything else in your life? Have you ever worked to soothe feelings of guilt or anxiety? Do you ever work so hard that you neglect basic self-care such as getting enough sleep or exercise? If that sounds like you, or someone you know, you’re not alone. It’s believed that around […]

Can Hospital Medications Lead to Relapse? How Big Is the Risk?

Hospitals are places where people go to get better, but they often dispense powerful medications and anyone at risk from addiction should take precautions to protect themselves from situations that could lead to relapse. Hospital staff are well aware of the dangers inherent in the drugs they use (which are powerful because they need to […]

Does Harm Reduction Promote Drug Use?

Harm reduction programmes in relation to drug use have been controversial since they first came to prominence in the 1980s. They tended to be a response to the rise in HIV infections and growing unease at the criminalisation of drug use. Governments had begun to realise that prosecuting drug users simply filled up the prisons […]

Coping with Addiction – 6 Dysfunctional Family Roles

Family dynamics are always important because children observe and learn behaviours there that they can keep for life. Families become dysfunctional for a number of reasons – bereavement, immoral behaviour and serious illness, especially addiction, are common causes. Understanding what happens within a family can be the key to making successful life changes later on. […]