Caffeine is one of the 2 most widely used psychoactive drugs on
earth (the other being alcohol). Psychoactive means that it has an effect
on your psychological functioning (in addition to a number of physical effects).
One of the primary effects is to stimulate the sympathetic nervous system, which
governs the stress response. This produces anger, fear, anxiety, increased heart
rate and blood pressure, tremor, a jittery feeling, rapid, shallow breathing,
change in pain sensitivity, and dozens of other changes.
Caffeine is an addictive drug. Heavy caffeine users may:
- become psychologically dependent (believing that the drug is an essential
part of their lives)
- develop tolerance (requiring more caffeine over time to get the same effects)
- undergo a withdrawal syndrome if they don't get it
Withdrawal symptoms include headache, drowsiness, irritability, and difficulty
concentrating. Many people discover that they are dependent on caffeine when
they go for a day or 2 without coffee and develop splitting headaches.
Is addiction a serious problem?
Probably not, unless some of the effects of caffeine are disrupting your life.
Have you been having difficulty with stress, anger, or anxiety recently? Do
you have another disorder that stress makes worse (caffeine can aggravate tension
headache, irritable bowel syndrome, chronic pain, and numerous other physical
problems)? If so, then you probably don't need a chemical that makes the stress
response system even more active.
Caffeine may be a special problem in children, who tend to be more susceptible
to its effects and who may suffer behavioral and attention problems while under
the influence of caffeine.
How much caffeine does it take to become dependent?
Estimates vary, but the average is about 2½ cups of coffee per day. There
are wide individual differences, however. Your age, weight, and personal sensitivity
to caffeine all have an influence.
Wondering if caffeine is a problem for you?
Then you may wish to try going a month without caffeine to see if this helps
you. If you decide to reduce your caffeine consumption, do so slowly to avoid
the withdrawal symptoms. If you drink 10 cups of coffee a day, reduce to 8
cups, then 6, then 4, then 2, then one, then none. Stay at each level
for 4 to 6 days to allow your body to adjust. Remember that you are giving
up (or reducing) caffeine. This doesn't mean you have to give away your coffee
mug or avoid the coffee shop. Drink as much herbal tea as you like, and feel
free to have decaffeinated coffee, tea, and cola.