Originally Posted by
Blankspace87 
I don't want alcohol to run my life and I feel like it is doing so. But without it I don't understand how I can maintain friendships.
Friendships? Or the camaraderie of drinking buddies/work mates? There is a difference.
You can maintain friendships while shy, or socially awkward, or with social anxiety...whatever you want to call it. It's a lot easier to deal with than chronic alcoholism. If you drinking progresses, that's one outcome, and you probably won't have any friends at that point.