They most definitely have a connection to each other. Alcohol makes it harder to maintain a stable mood. On the other hand, having disturbing fluctuations in mood can make drinking alcohol seem like a way to escape the downturns in mood, or the overexcitement than bipolars experience. As an escape, it can seem to help in the short run. But the long run consequences are that it makes bipolar swings worse. So bipolar disorder and alcohol use disorder reinforce each other. Each makes the other worse.

Here's a link: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-...r/FAQ-20057890