I am a recovering alcoholic. Alcoholism/substance abuse often go nand-in-hand with bipolar disorder. Based on this, and on my experience, I would strongly discourage any bipolar person from drinking, if you have not yet stared of even if you have. I am not being a prude about this. Yes, sometimes I resent the fact that I cannot drink when others can. However, I say this hoping others consider my experience when making such decisions.

I never woke up one day saying "well, I'm bipolar, might as well become an alcoholic, too." This illness/these illnesses combined are like a frog placed in a slowly heating pot of water: he never knows he is in trouble until he is dead.

That almost happened to me, in October. I was hospitalized with suicidal ideations relating to both conditions. If I would have been left alone, I would have killed myself. Thankfully, I was not.

Not preaching, just providing input based on my experience.