Did you know that caffeine is a drug that is used the same as many dangerous stimulant medications? It’s shocking when you dive into the science behind this substance what it can do to your body, which is why you experience withdrawals when you stop consuming it. Yet, you can become addicted to this “drug” by drinking soda, coffee, chocolate, or even ice cream.
According to Coffee and Health, caffeine is an alkaloid substance that occurs in over 60 plants naturally. The most recognized plants with this substance are coffee beans and tea leaves, but it’s also found in things like guarana berries and kola nuts.
Drinking just one cup of Joe contains an average of 75-100mg of caffeine. Now, what if you have a supersized cup of Java to get you going in the morning? The Mayo Clinic states that you can consume around 400 milligrams of caffeine each day safely. However, if you consume larger amounts, it can cause all sorts of issues in your body, similar to a drug overdose. Here are the most common signs of caffeine overdose:
•Irregular heartbeat
•Heart palpitations
•Headaches
•Confusion
•Vomiting
•Nausea
•Diarrhea
•Feeling faint
•Anxiety or jitters
•Shortness of breath
•Death (extreme cases)
Caffeine Withdrawal Symptoms
Trying to come off caffeine can make you extremely sick, and it can take a few days or even a week to get over the symptoms of stopping this drug. It depends on how much pop, soda, or tea you drank regularly and how it will affect you. Here are the most common symptoms of caffeine withdrawal and what you can do to combat it.
1. Mood Fluctuations
One of the most common things that people experience when kicking the caffeine habit is mood fluctuations. Habitual caffeine consumers are the ones that are most affected by this concerning problem. According to the National Library of Medicine, they can trace caffeine withdrawals back more than 170 years, which means this isn’t a new problem as many suspects.
They also published a study regarding side effects from those who are ceasing their consumption. Shockingly, irritability was found to be one of the top complaints from the nine survey studies. It stands to reason when you cut something out that affects the brain to alter your mood.
2. Fatigue
It’s not uncommon for you to have problems getting things done when you quit coffee or soda. The focus and energy levels you once had are altered due to the lack of stimulation. It’s been proven that stopping this substance can cause you to be sleepy.
Astonishingly, a study was conducted using truck drivers and their coffee consumption. During this case-control study by BMJ, they found that those who regularly consumed coffee had a 63 percent reduction in their chances of having an accident. It’s kind of scary when you consider the number of truckers on the road and the need for stimulation to stay awake. What about those that don’t drink anything caffeinated?
3. Low Energy Levels
Low energy levels go along with fatigue. The only difference is that you might not be sleepy, but you don’t have the energy to do what you need to do. Your life can significantly suffer when it doesn’t have the stimulation it’s become accustomed to.
It will take time for your brain to adjust to the lack of coffee/tea/soda that has helped you wake up and face the day.
4. Flu-Like Symptoms
It’s shocking to think that withdrawing from caffeine can give you flu-like symptoms. Many people experience aches and pains, typical of what comes along with the common flu. They have muscle stiffness and nausea too.
Keep in mind that a person who drinks one soda a day will probably not have as severe issues stopping caffeine as someone who drinks a pot of coffee to get going. Additionally, each body is different, so you never know which symptoms you may experience.
5. Headache
Headaches are the number one complaint of someone trying to get rid of their caffeine addiction. In fact, a study found that 50 percent of people complain of this symptom. The severity of the headaches is also all over the board.
Some report that they have a mild nuisance, while others say their head pangs are entirely debilitating.
6. Depression
You can become both physically and psychologically dependent on this substance. Though it sounds silly to someone who has never experienced it, going through any withdrawal symptoms can be very depressing. Once you kick your body’s cravings for it, you must also kick your psychological dependency.
7. Anxiety
Anxiety can come from psychological disturbances, or it can come from feeling that there’s something wrong in your body. However, it’s noted that once the thing that gets you up and going is gone, you struggle with the reality that you don’t have this crutch to lean on.
You may feel anxious about starting your day without your cup of coffee or soda, and you need to learn a new routine. Plus, the lack of having the substance helping you each day can also take a toll.
8. Mental Fog
Mental fog is described very differently by everyone. Some say it’s a lack of focus, while others state that they don’t have a clear mind as there is much noise. Brain fog is a common complaint after withdrawing from caffeine.
You may find that you’re a bit confused, forgetful, and can even be disorganized. Did you know that brain fog and headaches are the common reasons why people start drinking caffeine again?
9. Shaking/Tremors
Some people are more apt to tremors and shaking than others. Consequently, those who consume high caffeine levels each day may notice that they have an unsteady hand or tremors as the substance leaves their body. Thankfully, these jittery feelings don’t last long and should go away as soon as you’re done with the withdrawal process.
10. Concentration Issues
Did you know that many people use caffeine to medicate ADHD and other concentration issues? Some people would rather drink coffee than take some of the dangerous stimulant medications. So, when you remove the thing that keeps you going in life, you may have a hard time concentrating.
Self-medicating with any substance can be dangerous, and you can learn effective ways to enhance your focus without taking anything that can be harmful. Additionally, many herbs can help with your attention, such as ashwagandha or Ginkgo Biloba.
Tapering or Quitting Cold Turkey
If you want to avoid all these issues while coming off caffeine, there is an easier way to do it. Many people want to stop cold turkey and be done with the habit, which is great if you can do it that way. However, for those who drink upwards of 400 milligrams of this stimulant each day, you should taper as it’s safer.
Start by slowly reducing your intake even by one cup or can of soda each day. Do this for one week. Then the following week, reduce it by another cup or soda. Keep doing this until you no longer need the substance to function.
It’s also worth mentioning that you may need to seek help if you’re medicating an underlying medical condition. Things like chronic fatigue can cause you problems, and you may be masking those issues by self-medicating.
Adult ADHD is not uncommon. While some children grow out of this issue, many carry it on into their adult life. It’s one of the top reasons people consume caffeine to help them focus and accomplish their daily tasks.
Final Thoughts on the Symptoms of Caffeine Withdrawal
Slow and steady is the best way to rid your caffeine habit. However, many people are faced with situations where they must quit immediately, such as being in the hospital or heart problems. While caffeine is a naturally occurring substance found in many plants, so is opiates.
Just because it came from the poppy flower doesn’t mean it’s safe to consume. While caffeine is not as damaging, caution must be used when turning to natural things for help. If you’re sipping between 300-400 mg each day, then you’re getting remarkably close to the peak allowance.
Now, those who have an occasional soda or cup of coffee are not going to be addicted. Thankfully, the caffeine withdrawal process usually takes about three days on average, but it can take up to a week. It’s the psychological dependence that may be harder to conquer.
Many people drink soda, coffee, and tea because they like how it tastes and what it does to them. For most, the psychological aspects seem the hardest to overcome. Thankfully, you don’t need soda or coffee to live, and you can learn that water is much more refreshing and beneficial for your body.
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