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Background: Several studies indicate a specific relationship between bipolar disorder and stimulant use and abuse. It has generally been assumed that cocaine use represents self-enhancement or attempts to optimize one’s level of hypomania, cyclothymia, or hyperthymia. This topic required further examination among alcoholics because cocaine abuse is commonly comorbid with alcoholism. Methods: Cocaine abuse by bipolar participants was investigated in a group of 448 consecutive treatment-seeking alcoholics. We collected data with (1) the Drug Addiction History Rating Scale; and (2) the semistructured interview for depression that inquires systematically among others, about hypomania, cyclothymia, hyperthymia, and depressive temperament. Participants were aged 44±9 years, and were predominantly male (75.4%).