Way to go Snoopy! That is so awesome that you went and didn't give in! It is interesting when you watch the drunken folk - and the funny thing is they all probably think how cool and fun they seem.
It is hard to make normal friends, I think. It's not like you can ask someone, Hey, what's your name and how much do you drink a night? What about starting or restarting a hobby or taking a class that interests you. If there is someone who seems interesting, you could see about going for a coffee or something. If they suggest, hey let's go to the bar for a nightcap, instead probably not the right new friends!
I find it much harder to make new friends the older I get, so I am interested in this too!
Take care and great work!