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.

EMDR Therapy – Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing

What is EMDR? EMDR, which stands for Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing, is a type of therapy which helps people to process difficult memories and beliefs. It is used to treat trauma and is based on the notion that during distressing life experiences, a person can be so overwhelmed by trauma that their brain is […]

Group Therapy for Addiction

What is Group Therapy for Addiction? Group therapy is a form of psychotherapy where a small group of people meet to discuss their feelings and experiences. Like one-to-one therapy, group sessions are led by a trained therapist who facilitates the process and offers therapeutic interventions. Understandably, the idea of sharing personal thoughts and feelings within […]

Oxycodone Addiction

Oxycodone – also referred to as OxyCotin or Percocet – is an opioid painkiller drug. It is a narcotic analgesic and is prescribed to relieve moderate to severe pain

Family Therapy for Addiction

Family Therapy We understand how challenging it can be to live with someone affected by addiction. We also know that good support from family and friends is essential to achieving long-lasting recovery. That’s why we offer support to the whole family – not just the patient – from the moment someone approaches us for treatment. […]

Opioid Addiction Treatment

Prescription opioids used for pain relief are generally safe when taken for a short time and as prescribed by your health care provider. However, opioid misuse and addiction are still potential risks

Cocaine Addiction

Are you misusing cocaine and are worried you have become addicted? Are you concerned that a loved one’s life is becoming unmanageable due to their cocaine use? Cocaine addiction can be devastating, but it is important to know that recovery is possible with the appropriate interventions and cocaine rehab treatment support. This page contains helpful […]

The Disease Model of Addiction

What is The Disease Model of Addiction? The disease model of addiction recognises addiction as a chronic illness, comparable to diabetes or asthma, rather than a lapse in willpower or moral failing. According to this model, addiction is a brain disease, arising due to structural and functional changes in the brain. This view is supported […]

Pregabalin addiction and treatment

Pregabalin is prescribed to hundreds of thousands of people in the UK each year. For many, it provides relief from nerve pain, anxiety, and epilepsy. What many don’t know is that pregabalin also carries a significant risk. This risk was serious enough that in 2019, the UK government reclassified it as a Class C controlled […]

Alcohol Addiction

What is Alcoholism? “Alcoholism,” now considered an outdated term, is often referred to as alcohol use disorder, alcohol addiction, or alcohol dependence. It describes the uncontrollable desire to drink alcohol and the inability to stop despite negative consequences. It is difficult to determine the exact cause of alcohol addiction, as it is a complex process that depends […]

Heroin Addiction

Heroin is an opioid drug that is synthesized from morphine, a naturally occurring substance that is extracted from the seed of the Asian poppy plant

Alcohol Psychosis, Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Alcohol-induced psychosis, also known as alcohol withdrawal delirium or alcohol hallucinosis, refers to a number of alcohol-related conditions that can manifest with a range of distressing behaviours and other psychotic symptoms. These typically occur during or shortly after a period of heavy alcohol dependence, when a person suddenly reduces their intake or attempts to quit […]

What to Do in the Event of an Opioid Overdose

In the event of an opioid overdose, knowing how to respond quickly and effectively is crucial and can be life-saving. From recognising the signs of overdose to administering life-saving naloxone, it is important to be prepared and not let confusion or panic dictate your actions Understanding these procedures can significantly enhance the affected individual’s chances […]