Throughout my life, I’ve joked that I would make a very bad drug addict. I can’t tolerate most pain medications because they make me dizzy, nauseous, and/or freaked out. I can’t even take ibuprofen for too many days in a row because it gives me high blood pressure. I’m not a pill popper. I’ve never been interested in injecting things, snorting them, or smoking them.
Yet, still I find myself addicted to a drug. Caffeine.
Now, I know what you’re thinking. Caffeine is not heroin.
Caffeine is legal. It’s socially acceptable. Caffeine won’t make you lose your job, your family, or your house. People will tout its health benefits and rejoice in the social aspect of getting a cup of coffee with friends.
Still, I find it funny that if you stop consuming caffeine these are the symptoms you might go through:
Headache, sleepiness, irritability, lethargy, constipation and/or diarrhea, depression, muscle pain/stiffness, lack of concentration, flu-like symptoms, and insomnia.
If you were detoxing off of HEROIN you would have these symptoms:
Anxiety, muscle aches, flu-like symptoms, diarrhea, vomiting, insomnia, lethargy, and headache.
Pretty similar detox, eh?
Now, I’m sure heroin detox is severe but the past few days getting off caffeine hasn’t been a picnic.
I crave my drug Starbucks. My day is a roller-coaster of energy highs and lows as my body tries to achieve balance without stimulant intervention. I feel calm one minute and anxious the next. It’s like a bad hangover mixed with PMS and a brass band playing in your face. Admittedly, I was a heavy user of the java bean. I’m paying the price.
I see people lining up in the drive thrus of coffee sellers and fast food joints alike. They grasp steaming Venti coffees like oxygen masks. They grab Big Gulp size Diet Cokes because they didn’t sleep last night and are in need of a hit. I see the massive vats of coffee at church with people lined up looking for a boost. I overhear people say someone would have to pry their coffee, Diet Coke, or tea from their cold dead hand.
People can give up various food groups but not their coffee.
It’s an addiction for many.
Maybe you’re a casual user, maybe you can quit anytime you want, maybe you think caffeine doesn’t affect you.
Try to go a week without it.
Personally, I’ve been having all sorts of symptoms of adrenal fatigue and my back pain is reaching new heights. From some research that I’ve done, caffeine consumption makes both of those issues worse. For me, I knew I needed a break from caffeine. I’m not saying I won’t “use” again but I’ve certainly seen the light and for me, caffeine is a very powerful drug.
I don’t like being an addict. I don’t like the dependency for energy, full brain functioning, or the fact that a few hours without a hit of coffee and I’m reduced to a headache ridden lump.
That’s not healthy. That’s addiction. That’s not what I want for my next 40 years. It’s easy to joke about being a java junkie but the truth is, it’s a real addiction.
Like any other addict, I’m taking it one day at a time. I know I’ll emerge from this detox feeling calm and no longer in need of a fix.
What about you? Are you an addict?
That’s so crazy seeing the list of detox symptoms side-by-side! I have a chronic immune system deficiency that long ago forced me to give up my regular caffeine addiction. I’ll do a hit (haha) every now and then when I will fall over without it (less than once a month). For the day to day, I’ve had to learn to pay a LOT more attention to how much sleep I’m getting, what I’m eating and if I’m sleepy at work, I’ll do some quick exercises to get my heart pumping faster. Hang in there!
Amy @ DelightfullyShrinking.com recently posted..Friend Makin’ Monday: Q&A
Thank you! Yes, being able to use it occasionally sounds good!
Barbara Davis recently posted..So I Guess I’m An Addict….And You Probably Are Too
I am, but I don’t experience any negative effects from it. I can have a cup of coffee at 4pm and still fall asleep at 10. Some days, I have two cups of coffee and some days just one. Other days, I have 4 but it’s not because I NEED it. I just want it.
Now…seeing someone with a Starbucks cup in their hand makes me what a cup. Is that weird?
Connie Weiss recently posted..We Changed Our Minds
Coffee is a health food. Why should you give it up? Google the links between studies done about coffee and diabetes, coffee and dementia. There are plenty of other studies that show coffee has very tangible benefits for our health. I have a son who could seriously benefit health wise from consuming coffee, but his wife says absolutely not, because their religion forbids it, yet does not forbid caffeinated soda pop. If I’m gonna go to hell, I’m going with a cup of coffee in my hand.
Marc recently posted..Foot care for my walking goal
There are just as many studies that say it is toxic.
Personally, I love my coffee but it has been causing me health problems so I’m stopping because of that. I gave up pop years ago.
Barbara Davis recently posted..So I Guess I’m An Addict….And You Probably Are Too
The similarities between the 2 detoxes is kind-of scary!! Just think how great you will feel in another week!!!
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I’m a recovering Diet Coke addict. I was up to 10-12 a day but went cold turkey in January. First few days were rough, but I consider myself “sober” now. I still drink caffeinated tea though, but not so much that I think it’s harmful.
Good luck with your detox.
Gaye
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Yeah….kinda. I don’
Good Luck, you’re doing great!!
t fell like I NEED it really, but I feel better with it alot of times. When I cleanse I come off it and I am fine. I think the sugar/carbs are worse for me. I don’t have coffee every day and I will go spurts without it for a week….well, maybe just a couple days. But when I do want a cup…get the HECK out of my way, you’re not gonna stop me, so yeah, I think I am an addict.
**TIP TOES AWAY as shes not ready to surrender her am java…yet**
Miz recently posted..Be your own self-care SUPERHERO.
I don’t think you drink as much as I was drinking.
You always rock the moderation!
Barbara Davis recently posted..So I Guess I’m An Addict….And You Probably Are Too
I have a mild coffee addiction, I enjoy it on a semi regular basis but I try to take a break every once in a while!
Amber @ Busy, Bold, Blessed recently posted..Keepin’ It Real
Breaks are good!
Barbara Davis recently posted..So I Guess I’m An Addict….And You Probably Are Too