Caffeine - Treatment for Habitual Users

Treatment for Habitual Users

Legally, caffeine is not regulated as a dangerously addictive substance. Yet, withdrawalThe process of gradually cutting back on the amount of a drug being taken until it is discontinued entirely; also the accompanying physiological effects of terminating use of an addictive drug. from caffeine is documented in medical literature as a recognized set of symptoms. Physical and psychological dependenceThe belief that a person needs to take a certain substance in order to function, whether that person really does or not. on coffee, for instance, tends to occur at rates of five or more cups per day. Many people who regularly consume caffeine and then suddenly stop will experience headaches, irritability, muscle aches, extreme tiredness, and impaired concentration.

A major symptom of quitting caffeine abruptly is a moderate to severe headache that generally begins within eighteen hours of the last dose. The feeling has been described as a fullness in the head that turns into a throbbing pain and is worsened by physical activity. Sadness and mild nausea are also reported by a quarter of those individuals who get the withdrawal headache. Those who chronically consume 500 to 600 mg of caffeine per day are more likely to experience withdrawal if they suddenly cease their habit. MSNBC.com reported that 13 percent of coffee addicts "were sick enough to lose time at work" when the source of their caffeine was taken away. Withdrawal symptoms can last as long as nine days.

In "Decreasing Your Caffeine Intake," registered dietician Karen Schroeder advises users who want to cut back on their caffeine intake to do so gradually. "Decreasing over a period of time" rather than going "cold turkey" may help minimize the symptoms of withdrawal. For starters, Schroeder suggests "mixing half regular and half decaffeinated coffee" or brewing tea "for a shorter time," since "a one-minute brew contains about half of the caffeine that a three-minute brew contains."

Caffeine is found in chocolate. However, the amount of caffeine in candy is usually far less than what is found in a typical cup of coffee. C/B Productions/Corbis.
Caffeine is found in chocolate. However, the amount of caffeine in candy is usually far less than what is found in a typical cup of coffee. © C/B Productions/Corbis.