A Consultant Psychiatrist in Surrey, specialising in residential detoxification and rehabilitation for alcohol dependence.
Dr Ian Drever MB ChB, MRCPsych, a Consultant Psychiatrist, runs a busy private psychiatric practice from The Priory Hospital Woking. He is a member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists (MRCPsych), is fully registered with the General Medical Council (Registration 3481590) and is on the GMC Specialist Register.
Dr Drever carried out his psychiatric training in the St George's University Hospital Training Scheme, London and also spent time on a sabbatical in Canada. He worked in the National Health Service for thirteen years, during which he was nominated for an Employee of the Year Award (Surrey Hampshire Borders NHS Trust, 2000). He was also awarded a Clinical Excellence Award (Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Trust, 2006) in recognition of his high level of clinical care and ongoing commitment to excellence in service delivery.
Dr Drever understands that seeing a medical specialist can be an anxious time for many people, and aims to make consultations a relaxed, engaging experience, working with patients to formulate strategies for recovery and ongoing well-being.
Expertise and treatments offered
Dr Drever is an expert in the residential treatment of alcohol dependence, working in partnership with the The Priory Hospital Woking, to provide a range of alcohol detoxification and rehabilitation services.
Alcohol dependency
For someone with alcohol dependency, having a drink can take precedence over all other activities. Typically, many of the following features will be present:
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a strong desire to drink alcohol
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difficulty controlling the use of alcohol
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persistent alcohol use, despite being aware of the harmful effects
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increasing tolerance to the effects of alcohol
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withdrawl features when going without alcohol
Alcohol dependence may remain undetected for many years, sometimes only generating illness features once significant health damage has been done.
An effective way of checking whether there may be features of alcohol dependence or misuse is to take the CAGE questionnaire:
1. Have you ever thought that you should Cut down your drinking?
2. Have you felt Annoyed by others commenting on your drinking?
3. Do you ever feel Guilty about your drinking?
4. Do you ever have a drink in the morning as an Eye-opener?
If you can answer 'yes' to two or more of these quesions, then it is likley that you may be drinking at harmful levels, and you may wish to consider consulting your GP, or seeking specialist treatment.
Specialist treatment options
Individual psychology
There are a multitude of factors which can underpin excessive alcohol consumption, such as earlier life experiences or current stresses. One-to-one sessions with a psychologist or other alcohol treatment professional allow the in-depth exploration of the factors leading to alcohol use, and can help to uncover relevant past history. Often, this is an ongoing process over a period of months, and may include exercises such as keeping a mood or alcohol diary. Using the knowledge gained from this process, personalised treatment plans can then be formulated, implemented and monitored. Individual treatment also offers the benefits of treatment within a confidential therapeutic setting.
Medication
Excessive drinking can lead to a number of nutritional deficiencies, particularly in B-vitamins, so these are often supplemented in a treatment programme. For longer-term treatment, there are some medications which can help maintain abstinence. Acamprosate (Campral) is a compound which, when used in conjunction with psychological treatments, can enhance the success rate of staying off alcohol. Disulfuram (Antabuse) is another compound which can help maintain abstinence, as it causes a severe reaction if alcohol is consumed whilst taking the medication, but this carries its own risks, and it is generally only used in highly specific circumstances.
Detoxification
When someone has been drinking heavily for a prolongued period, it can be dangerous to stop drinking suddenly, as this can precipitate a withdrawl reaction, with potentially serious consequences, such as seizures (fits). In these circumstances, medication is used to take away the effects of alcohol, and allow the body to clear the alcohol. Typically, a medication called chlordiazepoxide(Librium) is used, in gradually reducing doses, over a period of five to ten days, allowing a gentle, safe and rapid detoxification process. After this time, all traces of alcohol will have left the body, and the next stage of alcohol treatment - rehabilitation - can then take place.
Residential Rehabilitation
The gold-standard of alcohol treatment is a period of residential rehabilitation. By making a commitment to step away temporarily from the demands of daily life, and to focus purely on one's own recovery and wellbeing, a powerful process of discovery, self-awareness and empowerment can take place. Although the thought of spending time away from home may feel daunting, many people describe a period of residential rehabilitation as being one of the most positive experiences in their life, allowing them to finally achieve freedom from alcohol. In addition, being part of a therapeutic community, in which everyone is focused on the same goals, encourages mutual support and the sharing of experiences, as well as the formation of lasting friendships.
Alcohol detoxification and rehabilitation at the Priory Hospital Woking
The Addictions Treatment Programme (ATP) at the Priory Hospital Woking is an intensive, fully-integrated treatment package which incorporates a 28-day residential stay, followed by twelve months of structured aftercare. The ATP involves up to eight hours a day in a mix of group therapy and individual sessions, and regular reviews with Dr Drever. As a result, many patients experience more change in one month than they might during years of other treatments.
Family members are also offered support and advice, as they often play an instrumental role in helping the patient recognise their need for help. Weekly support sessions improve the quality of family relationships, help families understand the facts about addiction, and allow them to learn from the experiences of others.
On successful completion of the ATP, some patients may benefit from a period of extended care at the Priory Day Hospital, or with an individual therapist.
All patients are encouraged to attend a free weekly aftercare programme for twelve months, for additional support and guidance in the early stages of recovery.
Major insurance companies such as Bupa and AXA-PPP will often fund the Addictions Treatment Programme. For further details, or to arrange a confidential initial consultation, please visit Dr Drever's website.
Private appointments
Clinics are held at The Priory Hospital Woking on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, and appointments can usually be arranged at short notice.
For further information on the full range of services offered, please visit Dr Drever's website. To arrange an appointment or confidential enquiry, please call 01483 485 113 or send him an email.
Contact details
The Priory Hospital Woking
Chobham Road
Knaphill
Woking
Surrey
GU21 2QF
Tel: 01483 485 113
Send him an email
Visit his website
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