Blood samples were taken and analysed, and tested to see how "pre-disposed" each participant was to contracting artheritis.

"The main message", according to research leader Dr Henrik Kallberg", "remains cessation of smoking is the most effective way to diminish the risk irrespective of genetic constitution, but this recommendation should not necessarily be combined with a recommendation to stop moderate alcohol consumption."

Paul Waterson, chief executive of the Scottish Licensed Trade Association, agreed, and called the study a welcome break in a barrage of bad press on alcohol.

He said: "Not a day goes past without hearing some negative facts coming out about alcohol. But we know this only happens when it is abused and other studies have proved that taken in moderation, red wine, for example, can be good for your health.

"It just goes to show there is a beneficial side to alcohol in moderation, on the understanding that excessive drinking leads to big health problems."

A sentiment which also fits perfectly with cannabis use Mr Waterson.

Where cannabis use differs from alcohol of course, is in the numbers of death's it will be directly responsible for in 2008.

The fact is we can talk about the "abuse" element until we're blue in the face, but the truth is, its the availability of alcohol, allied to "competetive" pricing structure utilised by most super-markets, allied to the aggressive marketing tactics, campaigns which are perfectly aimed at the target group of 16-25 year olds, which drives the current alcohol problem.

If alcohol was subjected to the same controls as tobacco is, perhaps in ten years we would see a change in the upwards trend which shows across the younger age groups, alcohol is "head & shoulders" the drug with the most numbers of young abusers.

Cannabis has often been called the gateway drug, but without a doubt every cannabis user I know, tried alcohol first, which puts the gateway theory firmly into perspective.

Getting back to the Swedish study, and the alcohol lobby isn't getting things all its own way, as a number of health experts have spoken out on the research since it was released.

Shona Robison, the minister for public health, said: "We know that regularly drinking above sensible guidelines increases the risk of other serious illnesses like cancer, diabetes and stroke.

Professor Robert Moots, of the Arthritis Research Campaign, said it was important not to "over-interpret" the results of the study.

"Drinking a moderate amount of alcohol may have a protective effect against rheumatoid arthritis in ways that we don't yet understand – possibly comparable to effects of drinking moderate amounts of red wine on cardiovascular disease," he said.

"But there is no doubt that drinking too much is very bad for our health in many ways we do understand and these risks by far outweigh any potential benefit for reducing the risk of rheumatoid arthritis, which this study points to, "without being conclusive."

"We must also remember that drinking alcohol in excess can be especially dangerous in patients taking some anti-rheumatoid drugs that may cause liver damage."

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