Yes, admitting to alcohol use can have it's repercussions. That's one of the reasons I stopped drinking - because I was on psych meds and wanted to be honest about myself. All in all, I think divalproex or Depakote is much better than lithium for a number of reasons. Lithium can cause a number of medical problems, and I think most psychiatrists would go with Depakote before Lithium for several reasons. Still, like the above responders, I don't know why you would have to overdose for a blood level. Maybe you were just saying that you are having to take more than would be considered a normal dosage, in order to get a blood level. All in all, I doubt if drinking with either med is the greatest idea, but I do understand that you are being sociable! billieJ