Do you drink caffeine? Should I? How do you wake up?

I have a lot of questions since I hear generally that bipolar people should avoid substances like caffeine. Do any of you drink caffeine, and how does it affect you?

What are the risks if I drink caffeine just one every few days when I need to wake in the morning?

If I shouldn't drink it even once, what are other ways to wake up and stay alert during times I need to be if I can't use caffeine?