Alcoholism and mental illness are hardcore comorbid, so while excessive drinking is something nobody needs to be doing, it's especially important for people with bipolar to rein it in and not overdo it lest it become a problem, especially with the self-medicating issue - all of this just imo.

I have alcoholism in my family, so while I drink occasionally, I have VERY strict rules about when, where and how much it's okay for me to drink. The most important one is that I only indulge if I'm feeling okay. If I'm upset, down, angry, whatever - no alcohol, period.

That said, as always, caveat that my bipolar is mild and I'm only on one medication, lamotrigine, and my doctor's never told me I can't drink while taking it.