I've abused alcohol in the past and have self-medicated with illegal drugs. I haven't used any illegal substances for 10 years, with the exception of occasional pot when I can't sleep due to neurological pain (NONE of my docs have a problem with that).

Drinking does decrease my anxiety and loosen me up in social situations. I'm also a smoker, and rely heavily on coffee to make me alert. I'm not willing to stop drinking coffee though because it has less side effects than the other meds they've given me for fatigue and alertness.

I grew up in bar rooms because both of my parents were alcoholics (dad still is, mom passed away 13 years ago). Also 2 uncles, a grandmother, a grandfather, and my husband. I grew up thinking that's what adults did.

A few months ago I quit drinking all together- and it was really easy. I quit because it's not good for me and I know it- risk of falling, medications, MH problems, increased risk of becoming an alcoholic due to extensive family hx. Also, I feel like crap after I drink a lot. I already feel like crap, and I don't need to add to it.
My husband was very unsupportive during that, offering me beers, taking two out of the fridge instead of one....
So, I started drinking non-alcoholic beer after about a month and enjoyed it. If I asked my husband to bring me a "near beer" when he was up, he'd bring me a regular beer. BTW, he was not supportive when I quit smoking either (he also smokes).

Usually, I will have 1-3 beers on the weekend, but my drinking almost always comes into play when I'm manic. I will drink to excess, and to the point that I don't know how much I've had to drink. I hate this.

I think it would be a lot easier for me to stay away from alcohol, even during mania, if I didn't live with an alcoholic who encourages me to drink.

So, that's my 2 cents. This is a good discussion.
-Kay