Changing life up and taking action during down time worked for me. When I was heading out to la-la land I'd come here or take the dogs for a walk. I've changed the way I do things...I don't have a big 'social following' so changing was easy. I didn't have to explain anything to anyone or have them worry about what happened.
I would think that after you are settled in your sobriety (like 5 years LOL) going out and mingling could be an option. But I would think that as we grow we'd want to cut those things that made us uncomfortable and obviously drinking and partying is not good for you. Find other things in life that can be satisfying. No one said it was easy but its do-able. Really.