I've had problems with alcohol in the past, mainly but not exclusively binge drinking. After I started I just kept drinking, each drink seemed to give me more energy until 3/5am when I was left with an empty wallet and in a state of total inebriation.

The pressure builds up, alcohol was the release, freedom from stress and a chance to express myself more freely or at least I thought. It became a cycle (weekends etc) and in the end caused problems throughout the week.

Have you tried being around your friends sober when they are drunk?

If its causing problems now it will likely continue as you continue to drink, and they may well get worse.