Originally Posted by
zenchaser 
I'm feeling like I may need to start offering an explanation for why I'm not partaking like I used to though.
Are you maybe anticipating trouble where there isn't any? It doesn't sound like anyone has put you on the spot so far. Maybe you're not as comfortable going out -- at least on this occasion-- as you think?
It's good to extend yourself but you don't have to give information that doesn't feel natural. In my experience, very few other people really want to hear about my alcoholism LOL. A smile and "not tonight" says enough.