Although many patients think you can't mix alcohol and medications, I've yet to find a specific medical reason. Most psychiatric medicines don't have a direct interaction with alcohol (anti-depressants, anti-psychotics, etc.). There are some specific meds though that DO interact: the barbiturates (Seconal, phenobarbital) that have a synergistic effect when combined with alcohol and many deaths have been reported (especially suicides). The barbiturates have now been almost totally replaced by the benzodiazepines (Xanax, Valium, Klonopin,etc.) now which are far safer in overdose and only have an additive effect with alcohol. Other medicines like Antabuse purposefully react with alcohol and is used as a 'treatment' for alcoholism. Also a popular antibiotic called Flagyl interacts with alcohol.

My guess is the main objection to combining alcohol with meds now is that alcohol is such a toxic substance on the body, leads to addiction, may cause a substance-related mood disorder and causes all sorts of problems in relationships with other people. I've never specifically advised anyone to stop drinking because of a potential interaction though. Remember that about half of suicides happen under the influence of alcohol and a similar number of homicides.

I certainly am not aware of any interactions between alcohol and Risperdal, except that combining them might make someone more sleepy. However, I always tell people with anger problems to avoid alcohol because it can cause them to get angry easier or do things they wouldn't ordinarily do. The benzodiazepines sometimes have the same effect as alcohol in people (slurred speech, coordination, poor judgment, sedation) by the way.

Risperdal is a very useful medication in people with severe anger problems, it takes the edge off the impulsivity. It is used in smaller amounts than for schizophrenia, another use for Risperdal.

My two cents on foam bats for anger control: the healthy expression of anger in a civilization is by *talking* about it. Encouraging the acting out of anger physically as a coping mechanism is destructive. The essential task of childhood is learning that the world does not revolve around yourself and that you must learn to share and wait your turn. Attempting to solve problems physically only meets with violence in return. People have violence modeled as a solution all the time in movies and TV, they don't need to have the mental health professions reinforcing those messages. Having said that though, there may be some specific instances in psychotherapy where it is useful to have someone act out their anger, say if they are unaware of it and it leads to a patient accessing suppressed feelings. Good luck.