A big part of this is biochemical. If you're brain is used to having alcohol, then that is its "normal" it needs the alcohol to function. When you remove the alcohol, your brain misses it, and doesn't quite know how to operate.

I had the same problem with learning to socialize sober when I quit drinking. Going to AA helped because it helped me realize I wasn't alone, but for a couple of years, I just stayed close to a few of my IRL friends and mainly socialized with them, and gradually added larger gatherings. But even now, I don't feel comfortable going to large parties where I don't know a lot of people.

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