My mum's family were far from teetotal and they have pretty much all ended up with arthritis-type disorders (RA, AS, lupus, etc) so I don't think alcohol protected them any from getting it.

I never used to be much for drinking myself - one drink was enough, even at an all night party, however more recently I have realised that a glass of something in the evening really does help me relieve stiffness (and the consequent pain) and helps me sleep a bit better. It usually only takes one drink - perhaps that is because my system isn't really that used to alcohol. My mum also has upped her alcohol intake over the years to kind of top up her pain meds - a glass of red wine with her midday meal (supposedly to protect her heart) and a sherry at dinner time definitely make a difference to her.

In answer to the original message - I think it would depend a bit on why you were teetotal. I wouldn't be in a hurry to start drinking if there was a really strong religious or ethical stance for being teetotal, but if it didn't worry you too much ethically then perhaps trying a glass of wine or something a few times and assessing if it makes a difference might not be silly. Red wine does have the cardiac protection benefit, but any alcohol is likely to loosen up your body that little bit and also is likely to increase the effects of any painkillers you are taking, and that can't be bad.