Stop caring what other people think about you. That was a huge problem with why I drank before now I don't care...
I'll always be myself. If you like me great, if you don't oh well. I'm not going to change who I am to please people because at the end of the day if I do that they don't even like me for me anyway.
Stay sober, it is a part of who you are others are simply going to have to accept it if they want to remain your friend.
Remember, You don't owe anyone an explanation for your personal choices. Say you don't like it and leave it at that.