Caffeine Dependency and Withdrawal: When Caffeine Use Becomes Caffeine Need

Believe it or not, one of the most widely used drugs in America is caffeine (John Hopkins, 2003), and although the FDA has deemed it safe for everyday consumption, consuming caffeine does create the same dependency as any other drug. Furthermore, like other drugs, it also creates a tolerance in the body for it, demanding over time that the user consume higher amounts to achieve the same stimulating results as what they would have experienced without lower amounts.

Caffeine can be deadly, but you'd have to consume such ridiculous amounts that it is highly improbable. You'd have to drink well over 600mg a day (Mayo Clinic, 2010) in order to even get close. Even then, all the caffeine would have to hit your system at, or around, the same time, which makes the possibility even more unlikely. However, you don't need to consume nearly that much to develop a dependency for caffeine. Even consuming a mere one cup a day can create a dependency for it. While some people realize and embrace this dependency, often claiming they cannot go a day without it, some people do not even know their bodies have developed a dependency until they fail to consume their regular dose and experience withdrawal symptoms.

Some withdrawal symptoms can even be experienced with lowering the amount necessary to get the typical effect, although it has been documented that even small amounts of caffeine can mask or dull withdrawal symptoms (John Hopkins, 2003). Over time, the body builds up a tolerance for caffeine, requiring even higher amounts to achieve the same stimulating effect that they are used to. For example, where it might have taken only a cup to wake you up in the morning, you may find that you're adding an additional shot in order to truly "wake" you up.

Withdrawal symptoms include: headache, fatigue, sleepiness, difficulty concentrating, decreased motivation at work, irritability, depression, anxiety, flu-like symptoms (nausea, vomiting, muscle aches, hot and cold spells); and impairment in psychomotor, vigilance and cognitive performances (John Hopkins, 2003). It is noted that many people attribute their caffeine withdrawal symptoms to other problems such as lack of sleep or the belief that they are coming down with an illness, but in reality, withdrawal symptoms are so highly reported and studied, that caffeine dependency has even gotten its own place and diagnosis with the World Health Organization and American Psychiatric Association (John Hopkins, 2003).

Furthermore, the Mayo Clinic (2010) notes that long-term caffeine consumption can result in health problems ranging from moderate to serious. Some of these health consequences are insomnia, nervousness, restlessness, irritability, stomach upset, fast heartbeat, and muscle tremors (Mayo Clinic, 2010). It is recommended that if you're experiencing these symptoms you should cut back or take a break from caffeine consumption in order to ease your body back into a normal healthy rhythm.

While coffee and other caffeine containing products are safe for consumption and widely available, it is important that people realize that it is also a substance that creates dependency, and as such should be consumed sparingly. There is such a thing as too much caffeine, no matter how harmless it may seem.

　

References:

Mayo Clinic (2010). Caffeine: How Much is Too Much?

John Hopkins (2003). Information about Caffeine Dependence.