Wonderfuly to read this! I have found many of the same things and it's been so great. And as for driving, it's what I've used when people asked if/why I wasn't drinking, not as an excuse so much but a follow up to my answer. So it goes something like "I'm not drinking these days. But I now make a fantastic designated driver so let me know if anyone needs a ride!" With that comment, no one can try to convince me to have a drink or question anything (which they really don't, as you noticed as well).
Kudos to you!