CAFEINE ADDICTION Causes and symptoms

Coffee is one of the most popular drinks in the world, thanks to its flavor and "energizing" properties. Thanks to caffeine, people can get some extra energy to fulfill their activities. However, the consumption of this substance can generate dependence on people, in which case we talk about caffeine addiction.

It should be noted that this type of addiction is a risk for people of all ages. This is because caffeine is not found alone in coffee, but in other products such as tail or food drinks. Therefore, it is important to start taking care of this substance to avoid its negative effects.

Content

• Caffeine: food or drug?
• Symptoms of caffeine addiction
• Causes
• What can I do to handle caffeine addiction?
  • References

Caffeine: food or drug?

Caffeine is a substance that is present in different species of plants. It has a bitter taste and is used for different purposes, both food and medicinal. Caffeine is found in coffee, tea, chocolate and is used in other products such as soda or food. In the therapeutic field, caffeine has properties that help delay bronchi and are in cold medicines.

In the nervous system, caffeine behaves like an antagonist and joins adenosine receptors. If consumed in moderate quantities, caffeine has no negative effects on health. However, we live in a society that promotes excessive consumption of caffeine, both in food and drinks.

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For that reason, caffeine addiction is a theme that is still being investigated. Pardo Lozano et al. (2007) published an article on caffeine such as nutrient, drug and abuse drug. With respect to the latter, the authors point out that it can be considered as such because it acts as a positive reinforcer. It also generates tolerance, which means that, over time, it is necessary to consume more to feel its effects.

Symptoms of caffeine addiction

Continuing with the above, another of the conclusions of the study, was that caffeine generates withdrawal syndrome. That is, When consumption is eliminated, people experience a series of unpleasant symptoms. Consequently, they consume caffeine to relieve discomfort and thus repeat the consumer cycle.

Following this line, caffeine addiction can be identified through abstinence symptoms. Juliano et al. (2012) conducted a study on abstinence in caffeine consumption. Among the typical symptoms, are the following:

• Difficult to focus.
• Headache.
• Fatigue.
• Nausea or stomach discomfort.
• Symptoms similar to those of flu.
• Little interest in socializing.
• Lack of motivation to work or study.
• Mood alterations.

The symptoms usually appear more or less an hour after the moment in which the usual consumption occurs. The more quantity consumes, the greater the intensity of discomfort and the need to take caffeine.

On the other hand, excessive consumption of caffeine is associated with an increase in symptoms of anxiety, restlessness, nervousness, etc. Insomnia may also appear (especially when consumed at night) and tachycardia.

Causes

As we saw before, in effect, caffeine can become a substance of abuse. But what leads people to become dependent on this? As with the rest of the drugs, there are multiple factors that increase the risk of addiction.

• Quantity and frequency. First, the amount of caffeine and the frequency with which it is consumed must be evaluated. As stated before, this substance generates tolerance, then, the more you eat, the more you will need to consume in the future to feel its effects.
• Unhealthy habits. Not sleeping enough, working too much or eating little nutritious foods are habits that are associated with the lack of energy. In order to compensate for this deficiency, people resort to caffeine to stay awake and alert. In this way, they can fall into caffeine addiction.
• School stress or anxiety. Caffeine can act as a reinforcer because it stimulates brain regions linked to pleasure. If someone feels stress or anxiety constantly, could resort to caffeine as a source of pleasure. However, since relief is momentary, they consume it more and more frequently and in greater quantity.
• Standardization in society. Because it is a legal substance, its consumption in society is seen as normal. Even in cases where there is an addiction, this behavior can go unnoticed.

What can I do to handle caffeine addiction?

If you suspect that you suffer from caffeine addiction, there are several options to relieve symptoms and the need to ingest it.

• Improve your habits. Avoid revealing yourself, be sure to rest enough, wear a balanced and hydraction diet. Change the lifestyle you lead, you will make you feel healthier and more energetic. Consequently, you will feel less need to consume caffeine to keep alert.
• Regulates the amount of caffeine you consume. Instead of preparing a coffee jug, try to prepare only one cup. You can also buy a smaller cup or container and if you usually buy it, ask it small.
• Try to buy products without caffeine. If you like the taste of tea and coffee, you can try to drink their presentations without caffeine. That way you can continue enjoying these drinks without having unpleasant symptoms.

To end, If you feel that the symptoms of caffeine addiction become more serious, consider professional attention. Often, substance consumption is related to emotional conflicts where the drug plays the role of a momentary stimulant. If these problems are addressed from the root, then the desire to consume will decrease.

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References

• Julian, l. M., Huntley, e. D., Harrell, p. T., & Westerman, A. T. (2012). DEVELOPMENT OF THE CAFFEINE WITHDRAWAL Symptom Questionnaire: Caffeine Withdrawal Symptoms Cluster into 7 Factors. Drug and alcohol dependence, 124(3), 229-234.
• Pardo Lozano, R., Alvarez García, and., Barral Tafalla, D., & Farré Albadalejo, M. (2007). Caffeine: a nutrient, a drug, or an abuse drug. Addictions, 19(3), 225-238.