Objective Alcohol use disorders and bipolar disorder commonly co-occur and both are associated with more pejorative outcomes, thus constituting a major public health problem. We undertook this synthetic review to provide an update on this issue in order to clarify the nature of the relationship between the two disorders, improve clinical outcomes, prevent complications and therefore optimize management of patients. Methods We conducted an electronic search by keywords in databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsychINFO, published in English and French from January1985 to December 2015. Results The AUD prevalence is important among BD patients in whom the effects of alcohol are more severe. However, in terms of screening, it appears that the comorbidity is not systematically sought. The concept of co-occurrence finds its clinical interest in the development of specific screening and therapeutic strategies. To date, there are only few recommendations about the management of dual diagnosis and the majority of them support “integrated” approaches. Conclusions Recommendations should emphasize this strong co-occurrence and promote systematic screening and offered integrated cares. Disclosure of interest The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.