Did you know that caffeine is a psychoactive substance? Therefore, coffee may be the world’s most prevalent drug delivery system. Additionally, caffeine is one of the many substances that can cause withdrawal when you stop using them. Many people are more familiar with addiction and withdrawal from drugs and alcohol. If you or a loved one need assistance with harmful substance addictions, reach out to Pines Recovery Life Detox in South Florida. Call 800.263.3869 or use our online form to begin an addiction treatment evaluation that will help us find the best program for your recovery.
Is Caffeine Addiction Real?
Caffeine stimulates your central nervous system, impacting neural activity by increasing alertness. If you become dependent on caffeine, then suddenly stop consuming it, your body could go into withdrawal within twelve to twenty-four hours.
Caffeine is found in many common beverages and foods, such as:
- Chocolate
- Sodas
- Energy drinks
- Coffee
- Tea
Caffeine withdrawal can affect anyone who consumes caffeine regularly. In fact, many people would experience coffee withdrawal symptoms if they even skip one day of drinking their favorite hot beverage.
Signs of Caffeine Withdrawal
Common signs of caffeine withdrawal include:
- Headaches – Caffeine squeezes blood vessels and slows down your blood flow. When you start drinking caffeine, it increases the volume of blood that reaches your brain. This often results in a headache.
- Fatigue – A cup of coffee gives many people a burst of energy. This increases alertness and blocks receptors for the neurotransmitter responsible for drowsiness, adenosine. However, when it wears off, you can feel drowsy and tired.
- Anxiety – Caffeine increases blood pressure and heart rate as well as the stress hormones epinephrine and cortisol. As a result, some people feel jittery after just one cup of coffee. Cutting out caffeine can increase your anxiety levels as your body and brain crave the substance.
- Reduced concentration – If you feel foggy and unable to focus before your first cup of coffee, you may have a caffeine addiction. Many people use caffeine beverages to study all night, perform better at athletic events, or improve their ability to focus. However, cutting back on caffeine can reduce the production of certain hormones and neurotransmitters. As a result, you may have difficulty concentrating.
- Depressed mood – For caffeine consumers, cutting back may lead to temporary feelings of depression.
- Irritability. Are you cranky before your first cup of coffee? Caffeine only stays in the system for four to six hours. Therefore, it’s possible to show signs of withdrawal after just eight hours of sleep. In addition, those psychologically or physically dependent on caffeine may become angry or irritable when trying to cut back.
So, how exactly can you avoid these symptoms?
Tips to Reduce Your Dependence on Caffeine
To prevent withdrawal symptoms, you can cut back on your consumption. However, as with any addictive substance, stopping suddenly can shock the body, resulting in more severe withdrawal symptoms. So instead, slowly cut back by reducing the number of caffeinated beverages you drink each day.
Try herbal teas, and decaffeinated coffee, and other alternatives to your favorite caffeine beverage. It’s also crucial to stay hydrated. When you stop drinking coffee, you may forget to drink enough water and other liquids that keep your body hydrated. Dehydration can cause fatigue and headache.
By getting enough sleep and finding natural ways to boost your energy levels, you can give up caffeine without adding stress to your life.
Addiction Treatment at Pines Recovery Life Detox
At Pines Recovery Life Detox, we understand how easy it is to become dependent on various substances. Caffeine is just one everyday addiction that people face. Others become addicted to gambling, video games, social media, and even sex.
If you have an alcohol and substance use disorder, the first stage of recovery involves ridding your body of the toxins that keep you trapped in addiction.
Our residential detox programs at Pines Recovery Life Detox include:
- Alcohol detox
- Opiate detox
- Prescription drug detox
- Benzo detox
- Heroin detox
Overcome Addiction with Support from Pines Recovery Life Detox
There are many everyday substances that we consume that can actually cause addiction and also feelings of withdrawal. If you are in the midst of a caffeine addiction or an addiction to drugs or alcohol, Pines Recovery Life Detox can help. Learn more about how our team can help you begin your recovery by calling 800.263.3869 or completing our online contact form today.
