I think you're presenting a false dichotomy; it's not just sobriety or a social life, you can have both. Why not try going to the places where your friends drink and have a soda? For the sake of argument set aside the issue of triggers. Obviously if you can't drink soda while others are drinking booze that won't work.
My point is that regular drinkers aren't watching everyone else's consumption. Normal drinkers won't think it's odd if you drink club soda.
Plus, there are plenty of social activities that don't involve booze.
BTW, welcome to SR!