Welcome to SR.
Being newly quit I wouldn't recommend you hang out with old friends in situations where there is going to be a lot of drinking.
It is possible after some time has passed to be around people that are drinking a lot but you will probably find it somewhat annoying if your experience is anything like mine.
As far as staying friends with your people that is quite possible but you will have to work at it to find things that you can all do together that are fun and involve no drinking.
It is a situation that most of us social type drinkers have had to come to terms with.
Good luck.