You absolutely CAN go and not drink alcohol unless you think you can't, and then I guess you can't. I go out with friends who drink all the time and don't avoid situations where alcohol is present at all because I KNOW I can keep my mouth from ordering a drink and my hand from picking one up.
Think how many wonderful occasions you will miss throughout your life if you avoid them because alcohol is there and your "disease" makes you incapable of controlling yourself. You CAN go and NOT drink and people will respect you for it, and don't let anyone tell you any different. And if you have club soda with lime and someone asks what it is, tell the truth. Who gives a damn what they think?
BTW, July 5 is my birthday. Have a club soda for me and enjoy yourself.