Verity...it is ok to be afraid...it is a natural response when you feel you might be in harms way. For me personally I avoided situations where drinking occurred for the first year of my sobriety...I knew I would not drink but the days before and after an event made me uncomfortable. We all have growing pains in sobriety...we have to learn to live a new life and it sometimes includes unkind remarks from people whom we have hurt. It has taken me 2 years to finally be able to walk into a party or event that is centered around drinking and be comfortable being a non drinking participant...it takes time but it does come. I would suggest when you go and someone offers you a drink just say that you would just like to start off with a soda...once you have a beverage in your hand people tend to not ask if you want a drink. Stay strong and be proud of all you have accomplished...you quit drinking, smoking and are now running...that is amazing in 6 months...you are powerful...remain that way!!