Hi, and I'm glad you have decided to not drink.
I think that when we're drinking, we think that everyone and everything involves drinking. But, that's not the case. And, the connections that occurred when your group was drinking, are likely not real connections anyways.
There are many activities and groups that don't involve alcohol. And, for what it's worth, I wasn't able to be around alcohol for many months when I stopped drinking. I think you will find that you'll feel much more comfortable as time goes on.