Hi ,
I know the feeling. Alot of my closest friends are hard drinkers. I have decided not to go to places like bars, or even hang out at night time with them.
That said I am only on day 4 on sobriety, just to let you know where Im at.
I have barely begun.
I share alot of non-drinking hobbies with my friends ie fishing and hiking. Day time bbqs can be ok as well. If my friends want to join me on those activities its fine. I have invited them on some day hikes but have been knocked back! that ok! now I dont feel bad knocking them back on an invite to the pub.
I know that staying sober is more important then anything at the moment. It sucks as one of my best friends is a bar owner! I went to his bar and he tries to get me to stop going sober.. "you just need to cut down" "you dont need to quit".. Hes not a bad guy but he doesnt realise how bad it is.
As I said, I am on day 4, and I really identify with your situation. Good luck with it.