I've only got a week right now so take this with a grain of salt.
The whole meeting sounds like a bad idea to me. Why expose yourself to a situation where the main activity is going to be drinking when you don't drink? If they're really your friends, they'll be fine with doing an alternative activity like going out to dinner or something.
As far as the mind tricks, that'll happen. I've convinced myself dozens of times that I could moderate alcohol or cannabis. Each time I've tried, I get one of two results:
1) I moderate my intake for a few days or weeks but eventually end up drinking to oblivion again.
2) I come right out of the bullpen swinging for the fence and get plastered.
Result 1 is very dangerous for obvious reasons. If it were me, I'd suggest an alternative and if they decline, I'd conclude they're not my friends and move on.
Good luck with your decision.