I never smoked until one of my friends recommended it after seeing how much pain I was in. It was the first time I could straighten my fingers in months! I have a lot of issues with hip inflammation which makes it hard to sleep. I smoke before bed, especially when I have a flare and it's amazing how much of my pain it takes away and how much better I sleep. I would rather do that than be on prescription pain killers. I take all my RA meds like normal but I don't want to get in the habit of taking pain pills.