Battling Addiction

By Alison Cassar

Caffeine addiction is the same as any other addiction. This is because caffeine is a powerful drug and giving it up successfully requires dedication, planning and organisation. Caffeine is found in coffee, tea, cola, chocolate as well as common medications for headaches and menstrual cramps. One of the most common reasons people have caffeine is for an energy boost. However, the manner in which caffeine works (by stimulating the adrenal gland to release adrenalin for an instant pick-up) means that over time, caffeine has the opposite effect. It gradually wears out your body and cells and leads to chronic tiredness and depletion of the adrenal glands.

If you have been consuming more than three to four cups of coffee (250-500mg caffeine) per day, then chances are you will have caffeine withdrawal symptoms when you decide to kick the habit. These can range between mild headaches, fatigue, intense cravings for caffeine, increased sweating, anxiety and constipation. If you make it through this period of discomfort (usually 2-4 days), you are likely to find that your energy improves far more than when you were having caffeine. This is the pay-off, but it takes a little time to get there.

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By Alison Cassar

Caffeine addiction is the same as any other addiction. This is because caffeine is a powerful drug and giving it up successfully requires dedication, planning and organisation. Caffeine is found in coffee, tea, cola, chocolate as well as common medications for headaches and menstrual cramps. One of the most common reasons people have caffeine is for an energy boost. However, the manner in which caffeine works (by stimulating the adrenal gland to release adrenalin for an instant pick-up) means that over time, caffeine has the opposite effect. It gradually wears out your body and cells and leads to chronic tiredness and depletion of the adrenal glands.

If you have been consuming more than three to four cups of coffee (250-500mg caffeine) per day, then chances are you will have caffeine withdrawal symptoms when you decide to kick the habit. These can range between mild headaches, fatigue, intense cravings for caffeine, increased sweating, anxiety and constipation. If you make it through this period of discomfort (usually 2-4 days), you are likely to find that your energy improves far more than when you were having caffeine. This is the pay-off, but it takes a little time to get there.

More →

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