The Complicated Relationship Between Alcohol Consumption and Rheumatoid Arthritis

Some RA patients find themselves consuming alcohol to "dull the pain" or "deal with depression". In reality, significant alcohol consumption will likely make your pain worse in the long run and make you more depressed. There are much more effective ways to reduce pain and depression than alcohol. For pain, try using heat pads or ice packs when your pain flares up. Meditation or acupuncture have also worked for pain in some limited instances. If you are suffering from severe depression, talk to your doctor about seeing a therapist or counselor to talk through your feelings. Depression can be very debilitating but there are many treatment options (many of which involve no medication or procedures). A licensed therapist will help you find the right one.