I MADE A DECISION in the clinic that day that drinking doesn't bring out the best in me and I get the most awful of hangovers. it was never worth it but I gave in cos I always went by how I 'felt'.
Since then I can honestly say that I have never been tempted to drink.
I don't though hang out with people who drink a lot. I tend to get bored when people have had too much to drink. Oh my Goodness ----- just think how terrible I must have been drunk. How embarrassing.
I often think that it must be SOOOO divine to 'be able to' have a few drinks in the evening.
Chill time.....must be amazing but I can't sustain that cos the alcohol dissolves my resolve and I cannot control how much I drink after that. I made a calculated decision.
Alcohol = really bad news for ME!!!
I have never regretted making that decision and sticking to it. It makes me real proud especially knowing what people used to think of me and my inappropriate behavior.
Alcohol definitely made me manic and I would get hyper excited and drop SOOOOO low the next day Oh no...no more for me.
So, to answer your question. The way to handle the urge to drink during a manic episode??
It's worth a try making a decision and seeing if you are strong enough during a manic episode that you are able to stand by your decision. Your word must mean something.
If you can dream it - you can achieve it.
If I can do it then anyone and everyone one can do it with the right support structure.
GO FOR IT
Call on me anytime for support.
Sending HuGe HuGzzz, xOxOxOx

I use to drink I haven't any drinks since 1985 but I want one every day I have a battle every day after awhile you will get to the point the smell of the drinks will make you not want one it's very hard and a battle every day but if I can do it you can do it

Self medication the demon in us all. Stay safe my friend and don’t beat yourself up when it all goes wrong x

Heather you have an incredible story, you must share time and again!

Check into a rehab facility and get totally dried out. My brother died from alcoholism at the age of 6o. The doctor gave him some nerve pills and told him to go home and dry himself out. He stayed sober for several years but the pull of the need for a drink was too strong. Get yourself dried out, make new friends, and go to AA meetings religiously. Good luck and prayers. You can do this.