Was Alexander bi-polar? Alcoholic?

Question: Was Alexander bi-polar!? Alcoholic!?
Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:

He was a binge drinker, as were most of the Macedonian elite-just a cultural thing but crossing the line into clinical alcholism!? Hmmm, difficult to prove but from his reputed actions as recorded by historians I'd say no!. I'm sure everyone who's been drunk has done something they regret at least once, maybe not ordering the execution of a friend but are you familiar with the expressions "coyote ugly" or "beer goggles"!?

Bi polar would explain his drive and ambition, his almost boundless energy, but there are no "downs" recorded by hsitorians apart from his three day funk in his tent in India (as far as I know) so again I'd say probably not!.

As above, just a megolomaniac who truly thought he was at least semi divine!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

Alexander the great!?

Bi-polar!? No!. Psychological examination of Alexander has been done, and I don't think bi-polar was there!. He did change a lot though!. Near the beginning of his conquest he was shown to be merciful and generous!. By the time of his death he believed he was a god and had killed some of his friends spontaneously!.

Alcoholic!? Yes!. After every victory what do you think they celebrated with!? In fact, the famous story of him killing one of his friends resulted because he was very drunk!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

Many books and historical articles have been written on the subject of Alexander's character!. Bi - polar is not mentioned however Alcoholism is!.
Every great ruler must, by virtue of the fact, of who he or she is, must have some problems otherwise they would not be great!.
There is probably no doubt amongst historians that he was an alcoholic, he killed one of his best friends whilst drunk and ordered the death of one of his generals who had supported him since childhood whilst also in the same state!.
However, it is very difficult to reconcile the fact that the conqueror of the then most of the known world managed it whilst under the influence of alcohol!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

He was absolutly an alcoholic!.The Macedonians were infamous for there drinking habits!.Unlike the other Greeks the Macedonians did not mix their wine with water!.also while out on campaign the water was undrinkable!.So the only safe thing to drink was the wine!.As for bi-polor i don't think we will ever know for sure!.Alexander had a strong personality and always belived in himself!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

megalomaniac with delusions of godhood, gay, but alcoholic, probably not!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

Both alexander used alcoholism too get over the fact that bipolar was controller his life!?Www@QuestionHome@Com