I also have anxiety issues and I started just hanging out with people one-on-one instead of groups. You should probably do the same since you're beginning your journey. You could say you quit because you don't want to black out any more. Or, that you want to lose weight (I've actually used that one A LOT. It's a great one.). I had to go to a work party a couple of weeks ago and when a lady asked me what I wanted to drink, I requested water. She gave me this disgusted look, ACTUALLY SAID, 'WHATEVER' and waved me at the water bottles. If you really pay attention to some peoples reaction you start realizing how bizarre it is that you drinking matters to them so much.