I crave alcohol both when manic and depressed, but more when manic. When manic I do drink a lot of coffee and would probably take illegal stimulants if given the opportunity in a way to make me higher. I am on Ritalin but it actually calms me and I don't abuse it as I promised my pdoc I wouldn't.

I think the cravings are a way for us to try manage mood states but drug and alcohol abuse only makes things worse.