Alright everyone! Thanks for all the posts (which unfortunately I do not have the time to read).
I just wanted to update the Forums after two weekends in a row which I drank each Friday and Saturday.
I had fun, met a couple of girls, witnessed my roommate in a drunken state do some pretty foolish yet hysterical things, and have not suffered from it in the slightest.
I think some of the original posters are correct in saying that alcohol use should be done with a VERY large grain of salt and assumed responsibility of the drinker.
I limited myself to 3-4 drinks each night to avoid getting drunk.
Although there is a risk of mania or depression etc. from drinking alcohol for manic depressives such as myself, I think the positives outweigh the odds heavily if one is responsible.
I really enjoyed myself and I think that had I not drunk I wouldn't have had as good of time.
Happiness is a very good medicine, and I think drinking helped me with that.
It had been a long time since I drank, and quite frankly I'm glad I did!
Of course, I would not want to encourage alcohol use--that is a personal decision as it's a powerful drug.
However, I think for me the real danger lies in not getting enough sleep.
Anyways, good luck everyone. Gotta Study!