I just tell people I have adopted a healthier lifestyle that includes not drinking, proper diet, more sleep and exercise!
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It's easy man. Just tell them no. When they ask why, tell them you got other stuff going on. If they're your true friends they'll respect it. If not then they're not your real friends. These days when people ask me why I don't drink anymore, I don't drone on about being an alcoholic or sobriety. I just say there were other things in life I wanted to do and alcohol just didn't really fit in with what I was trying to accomplish. Who's going to question someone for saying they're goal oriented and trying to pull down a better life that they themselves may not even understand? No one. That's the weird thing about booze.. It's the only drug out there where people question you as to why you DON'T do it.
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People who aren’t in recovery aren’t often understanding about people who are clean and sober. I changed people places things and play grounds. I don’t owe anyone any explanation other than I’m in recovery.
It’s life or death for me. If you actively use or drink I won’t be hanging around you and that’s a selfish part of recovery that saves my life.
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Hi Jimmy: This is a great post, and it applies to many other people.
I would politely say that I'm not doing that anymore. If they're really your friends,,then they will understand. You are in the process of saving YOUR LIFE.
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Whether it's someone new I meet, current or old friends, even if it comes up in talking to a stranger I just say "It doesn't fit in with my priorities." Simple as that.
Edit: Here's the kicker ... I like to think that on some level it makes them question "Hmm... what are my priorities." Especially if they've got a few in them. 
And just like that I'm practicing the 12th step 
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Don’t lie. Tell them you have other plans. Make plans to be at a meeting. Then talk with people after the meeting. I found after working the steps and staying sober my days are packed with things to do. I do it all sober.
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That is a difficult juggling act. Till your comfortable with you.
Avoidance is my strategy and it’s working haha!
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I don't have to worry about that, as a drunk, I scorched the earth around me. They won't be calling anytime soon ..
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I told my buddies “booze is no longer serving me”
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Just tell them I’m doing my sobriety and if you don’t respect my wishes then We can move on our separate ways
You can say, I'm sorry but be patient with my process, I can not go out right away. Or if you plan on never being around those friends again an party's. Just say I'm on a new path to a journey of my life wich involves staying sober an away from temptation.
What a good question...I just told most of mine and they just kinda faded in the background. Anything beside my initial statement that I don't drink or use anymore is on me..I need to be proactive n exit stage left.
friend: my guy, theres this sick party, lets hit it.
you: im good, bro.
friend: what...like breh...theyve got everything and a gang of chicks there.
you: i dont drink and sh*t so just not really fun.
friend: but the chicks...???
you: .....call me when everyone has consumed every drop of booze and drugs, then ill stop by for the hottest and highest chick. [joking...maybe xD]
just to clarify, answers as such as for topical people. real friends shouldnt burden you any which way about doing anything outside your program.