Glad you're back Cbf, lean on us!
The most crucial thing I picked up on from this place near the beginning was the importance of the plan. I can spiral down into obsessive worrying pretty fast, but making a plan is different. I've been using this every time I'm going to be in a situation where I might be uncomfortable and have access to booze. Next up, a baby shower for some of my gen x friends. Kind of a big drinking group of friends.
I'll show up early, bring my own fizzy water and cranberry juice, home made cookies, and leave as soon as I have run through greetings and hellos with friends, no longer than 90 minutes. There's a speaker meeting in the evening I can catch. Just playing it out in my head how it CAN go without me drinking makes me feel more relaxed.