congrats get
sounds like you know where you been and where you want to go.
i really understand about the friendship thing. but since i isolate myself, i don't have to contend with it much--the times i did go to my old bar last time i quit and told people i wasn't drinking (i was shooting pool) i realized they didn't care, i drank rc cola the whole time and there was barely anything said about it.
sounds like you are like me and don't want to make a big deal about it. maybe you could either tell your best friend in private and ask for his support or just say i don't feel like drinking today (which is true, not drinking today is all ya got-worry about tomorrow when comes) and then change the subject. if he persists maybe you could in a non-threatening way ask if it is important to him that you drink. then blow off the subject. he may surprise you in a good way.
best wishes that he does
i hope you and your family have a wonderful memorial day weekend--sending strength your way