Yep, there are loads of creative, famous people who had bipolar, not the least of which were poets and writers. But also composers and painters as you've mentioned. Most do have dual diagnosis w/drugs and/or alcohol abuse. One T put it this way, "Adding alcohol to the equation does not solve or even cover up your problems. It only adds an extra one that can facilitate even worse problems." But you already know that. Have you been in any rehab programs or in-person support groups? You realize how dangerous DWI is and I'm sure it even scares you at times how much you drink. At least it sounds that way. I've found that I can't drink more than 1 per night after work (when home or out). Why? After 2 I don't even notice what or how much I'm drinking. If it's in front of me, I down it and then something bad happens. Usually a blackout period the next morning. Not worth it! I know I should quit altogether, but I haven't been able to yet. So I'm not the greatest poster child for sobriety either.