Welcome,
I think Buddhism could be a good start on your journey to recovery. I had to find a spiritual (not religious) connection before I could motivate myself to stop drinking for good.
I couldn't be around people who were drinking alcohol for many months when I stopped drinking. It just didn't work for me. As you said, your true friends will support you, and don't feel pressured to offer an explanation to everyone about why you're not drinking. A simple, "No, thanks" can go a long way.