Manic Episodes/Alcohol = Bipolar?

My father would have extreme manic episodes when he drank alcohol.  He would sometimes stay in this "high" for days afterwords, even when no longer drinking.  would this be bipolar disorder?

Dear Chris -- 
Hmm, not sure I've heard that one as such, i.e. manic episodes of a few days, repeatedly "triggered" by alcohol use.  Seems possible, as alcohol often interferes very significantly with sleep (i.e. you end up with a lot less than usual), and significant sleep deprivation is known clearly to push people in the "manic" direction.  

So, was it "bipolar"?  Could have been, sounds a bit so from what you describe -- and, unfortunately, can't say for sure. 

Dr. Phelps


Published April, 2001