Alcohol as a social crutch?

Those of you that used alcohol to be more ‘normal’ during social gatherings, how do you handle social anxiety without it?

I’m at a point where I drink once a week when we get together with our group of friends. I feel like my normal personality is shy and awkward AF, and one drink on an empty stomach fixes that completely; I can be outgoing and converse much more easily.

I realized I have used alcohol for a long time to be able to talk to people and match my outgoing friends’ energy. I envision my sober self sitting awkwardly talking to no one….so, help? Advice?