MM,
I know you have bee having struggles lately, and I hope that the drinking helps instead of hurts.
For me, when hypo manic it helps to mellow me. The pdoc tries to convince me that it helps my sleep for only a little while, but in combination with other drugs my sleeping hours are much more enjoyable.
When depressed, alcohol tends to magnify my weepy times, and, according to my husband I am obnoxious and sometimes irrational.
Just make sure you evaluate where the alcohol takes takes you. I want you to find peace!
Bluemountains