Jupiter,
i haven't found i need to stay away from events, be they BBQ, Christmas, B-Days...
i was edgy in the beginning and i decided not to go to a few, but most certainly i don't stay away from social occasions now where others are drinking socially.
not saying this to argue, but sharing my experience, which i don't believe to be unusual, just so people don't believe it will be an ongoing hardship and they'll not be able to take part in a lot of celebrations/life.