Drinking I think could cause mania symptoms. For me its more a social-relaxant. Like la doctora said, I become talkative to anyone.... more than I ever would. Compliment people on things I would normally keep to myself.

The danger comes when realizing that alcohol is a depressant. I drink on occasion, but I tend to do it in certain circumstances. I am a big Gamer.. and sometimes I get a friend or 2 over to play some Halo on my big 50" TV. Good time, good company... I have no problem getting pretty lit. Out with my sister who I dont get to see alot, taking my wife out which she doesnt do much. These are times when I know because of the circumstance, drinking isnt to bad on me.

When I was in the Army though, I just needed a breeze of wind to blow as an excuse to drink (though it was almost exclusively on the weekends). Even when I shouldnt have, I still drank. This caused numerous problems. To me it matters on the social occasion and my surroundings on how the alcohol effects me. Now, if my medications state that they are contraindicated in drinking, I may think twice regardless.