Welcome to the family!
Never mind what your friends think or say. You know you're doing this for your own good. Don't go to the gatherings if it's too tempting. And you will make new friends in AA and other places.
I'm guessing from your name that you like cats. We have a Cat Fanciers thread going in user created social groups forum. Take a look and post pics of your cats if you have them. We love hearing from cat lovers.
http://www.soberrecovery.com/forums/...ers-group.html