Remember this:
Nothing worth having(sobriety) or doing, EVER came easy.
Following your desire means you must be willing to face criticism from those(drinking friends) who lack the same courage to do what is right and change their lives and set an example for others.
Sobriety and quality of life is never free. We must fight for it every day.
We don't get this way overnight and we don't get better overnight. We have to work at it every day.
I started with AA meetings. I got a sponsor who took me through the 12 steps and today I have a great life. Not a perfect life!