I actually found I would drink MORE when I was manic or coming into mania. On my depressive side, I usually didn't want to be social so I didn't drink. Or, maybe I didn't drink because I felt guilty about my drinking. But this was an interesting diagnostic for my case. When I was manic, I partied like a Viking but in the long run or day-to-day, I didn't really need or crave alcohol. For some reason, I didn't always drink when I was manic......not sure why. Sometimes, I'd just be manic without the booze. But I didn't use alcohol to cover anything up. I just wanted to party my arse off and I was ready to crank. Then, I would go weeks without drinking. But sure enough, at some point, I'd connect the up mood to booze and I'd finish two bottles of wine at dinner or go to a party and I would be asked to leave at 3 am after either taking over or providing the entertainment. Then I'd disappear again and be depressed, sober until I went back again.

Like you, now I just don't drink anymore.

"No more beatin my brain, with a-liquor and drugs". - Iggy Pop