You seem to have a good insight into your problem. You are also asking the right questions. You have a mother that seems to care and you also seem to respect her wishes. I guess you need to realize that drinking is a substance that can become addictive as well. Your new friend has been through treatment and knows what it takes to stop, but appears to be unwilling to stop drinking at this time. It also seems that you have taken up drinking because everyone in your new environment is drinking. You have learned that changing your environment has helped you to stop using marijuana. It may just also work for your drinking concern if you want to stop drinking. You may also try and avoid your "friends". avoiding people places and things is one motto for recovering addicts).

You need to answer the question: "do I need to stop drinking?" "can I hang around people who are drinking without picking up a drink?".

You have to come up with a strong reason enough to help you through the journey of recovery. Apparently, it appears that you consider your drug use as "recreational use". If you are asking a question, then it is no longer a recreational use situation, and you need to seriously consider your options. You can only help yourself. Your friend can probably give you some encouragement, but it appears that your friend is probably drinking in your presence and may not know your wishes (if you want to stop drinking).

Talk to your friend about going to treatment together. If your friend is not ready, then you probably need to go it alone. There are sponsors out there that can be your support system through your recovery process.