Castle Craig

“We’ve definitely seen an increase in young people coming into treatment for addiction across a range of substances.” – Dr McCann Clinicians are seeing an increase in young people seeking addiction treatment. Part of this increase likely reflects progress. Families are more willing to recognise addiction as an illness, and referrers are more prepared to treat it accordingly. This change in discourse has made it easier for individuals to seek help earlier. But in Dr McCann’s view, awareness alone doesn’t account for everything. Late adolescence and early adulthood are “peak anxiety years”, a time when people are leaving school, sitting exams, trying to get into work or university, and being asked to become more independent. It’s an incredibly stressful transition, and globally, serious mental illnesses such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder most commonly emerge between about 19 and 25. On top of these existing pressures, certain substances, like ketamine, are marketed and used more in younger age groups, partly because of a perception that they can treat depression. And for those who are already predisposed or vulnerable, this mix of rising mental health strain, life transitions, and substance access can trigger a first psychotic episode, a first serious depression, or a first addiction. Between 2019 and 2023, anxiety diagnoses among Gen Z patients rose markedly, and depression diagnoses also increased, alongside high reported rates of loneliness and lack of purpose in young adults. For a generation already at a neurologically vulnerable age, these statistics are risk factors for addiction. To our peers – we’d love to hear your thoughts. What are you seeing in your work?

At Castle Craig, our therapists often meet people after a GHB/GBL overdose, at the point where the immediate medical crisis appears to be over – but the psychological fallout is only just beginning. Blackouts, gaps in memory, questions around consent and what may have happened while sedated can leave people with long‑lasting anxiety, depression, shame and trauma. Too often, those questions are carried alone, with no clear pathway from A&E into ongoing, specialist support. GHB/GBL overdoses are frequently treated as isolated incidents, yet they sit at the intersection of chemsex, consent, stigma, discrimination and gaps in our healthcare systems. Without informed, compassionate follow‑up, an overdose can become another hidden trauma rather than a turning point. Our therapist Ross McLeod has written about this in the Daily Record – exploring why a G overdose should be understood as both a medical emergency and a crucial opportunity for intervention, and why we need more joined‑up care between emergency departments, sexual health services, mental health care and addiction treatment. You can read Ross’s full piece here:

We Are Hiring! We are looking for passionate and experienced psychotherapists to join our dedicated team and support our patients on their journey to overcoming addiction and rebuilding their lives.

Changing how we talk about relapse is part of fostering a better understanding of addiction. Dr Peter McCann, our Medical Director, has spent years making the case for a more honest and compassionate way of looking at the recovery journey. One that looks at quality of life, connection, and how a person has changed... not just whether they’ve relapsed. Take a look at his perspectives, below.

We are hiring! Castle Craig Hospital is currently recruiting for a Specialty Doctor to join our medical team in the Scottish Borders.   We're one of the UK and Europe's leading inpatient addiction treatment centres, and this is a genuine opportunity to practise in a specialist, values-driven environment with a consultant-led team.   Please like and share this role for anyone who may be interested.

Cryptocurrency addiction is an emerging condition that the team at Castle Craig is seeing more often, and one that requires more clinical consideration. Unlike other addictions, addiction to crypto trading doesn't always seem like a 'problem' to many. It can masquerade as ambition, financial literacy, or 'working hard'. That's, in part, what makes it so difficult to both identify and treat. In our latest interview, Client Services Director Jamie Giles spoke to Euronews' Marcelina Burzec about the warning signs, who is most vulnerable, and why the gap between how crypto and gambling are regulated is a problem the sector needs to address. You can read the full article here:

Today we spotlight two accomplished therapists, Jackie Moody and John Edge, who joined our team earlier in 2026. Thank you John and Jackie for your dedication to supporting our patients at Castle Craig - we're grateful to have you. To read more about our therapy team, head to our website (link in comments).

Proud to see our Executive Director Keith Cassidy, at our sister clinic in Ireland, featured in the Irish Independent discussing the physical and psychological impacts of ketamine addiction.

Castle Craig is pleased to announce that our keynote speaker at our annual reunion on Saturday, 27th June, is James Docherty - Project Manager at Scottish Violence Reduction Unit (SVRU). His experience of addiction is incredibly powerful to listen to, and we are delighted to welcome James back to Castle Craig. Few tickets remain to reserve your place, follow the link in the comments!

Our Referral Coordinator, Carmen Priotto, represented Castle Health on Day 2 of the Hazell Forums Summit last week. As always, Nick Hazell and his team provided an excellent programme of talks and networking opportunities. One highlight was Cheryl Williams’ presentation for Adferiad on the growing crisis of ketamine addiction and the ways patients present in treatment. Cheryl explored the conflicting messages surrounding ketamine, with its promotion by some clinicians (and the media) as a medication aiding therapeutic change, set against the reality of its rapid rise as a misused substance and the irreversible damage it's causing many young people. She outlined how quickly ketamine can lead to long‑term damage, often within just two years, in contrast with other serious drug misuse such as heroin, which typically results in lasting physical harm after many more years of use. The presentation also considered the practical adjustments treatment services can make to support patients with significant physical impairments. It was a lovely day connecting with colleagues across our sector.