I too found alcohol helped in social circles especially when its full of, gulp ... New People!
I was definitely a borderline alcoholic wallflower though but since my diagnosis and new medication regime, alcohol doesn't seem like a safe option anymore without triggering a severe mood swing which can last for days as happened over Thanksgiving.
I read the post/reply's by 'Wing' and a lot of it made sense. I think avoiding these social occasions can be a bad idea in itself because i for one tend to wallow in my own little pity parties and those are the worst types of party. Continue to reach out to these forums and reread some of the reply's that are out there. A lot of us are in the same boat ... maybe we should arrange a party just for us!
Can't wait for January!