Hi to everyone,
I have experienced a lot in my life time so I'm always willing to offer help/advice.
-Alcoholism and being bipolar are two different animals, to be bipolar doesn't mean you are an addict aswell. Any human that has suffered some trauma may turn to the bottle, that's just a need to escape reality. If the alcohol or drug can be removed in a safe setting (rehab) the underlying cause can be dealt with.
On the other hand, like myself, there are those that are very impulsive and always do most things to the extreme, a type of addictive personallity. Unknowingly you can create extra problems for yourself. That mechanism is part of your make up or disorder. Remember though, drinking alcohol doesn't make you an alcoholic.

The xanax issues - many doctors find valium, xanax etc as a quick easy fix (only to be used short-term) and don't address the main problem. The patient is just precribed an addiction.

Kat - if you have any imput in your daughters care there are other options that can help with the withdrawls (which can also manifest as bipolar) and mood.

Tracy - we drink when we're happy, drink when we're sad. Everything in moderation is ok, understanding what your doing with alcohol is a great achievement for you. Try and find other things to do that make you happy and channel some of your energy and thoughts into them.

Later