I'll be honest....I don't think you can "work through" Bipolar without meds. It can be a long road to finding the right med and the right dose, but I would NEVER suggest someone give up. Lithium would be a last resort for me, because of the problems associated with it, however Seroquel does work for me and yes I was on 2 or 3 antipsychotic prior to this med that did not help... You just have to keep trying until you find out what works.

Your alcohol use is an issue I think... meds and alcohol don't mix well. At least alcoholism and Bipolar is a terrible combo. I can have the occasional drink or 2 without any problem but as I said it's ..."occasional".

My mother is an unmedicated Bipolar I AND a full blown binge alcoholic.....trust me get help for yourself, take the meds and stop drinking.