I did read it.
Just trying to help, as are we all.
You said you were bummed about missing meeting new people and talking because you “had to” leave because not drinking bothered you. What I’m saying is you can turn that corner of feeling you had to leave. Why couldn’t you meet these people and talk to them? Because you let alcohol be the controlling issue.
You have a group of people here who are trying to help you. This isn’t a contest on who read your mind the most accurately. You can take bits of wisdom from each reply that may help you, or you can find fault.