The struggle is real when it comes to caffeine addiction.
Everyone already knows there's caffeine in your morning coffee, but you may be surprised
to find it in a whole bunch of other drinks, foods, and medications as well.
And while it's a widely-consumed legal stimulant, there are still health risks and uncomfortable
symptoms associated with having a dependency.
Here are some signs to look out for if you think you may be addicted to caffeine.
"Enjoying my coffee."
Lethargic much?
One of the tell-tale signs of caffeine dependence is the unshakeable lethargy you feel when
you go without it.
Going to work sluggish, canceling plans with friends and loved ones due to fatigue, and
not feeling motivated to participate in your usual activities are all indicators of withdrawal.
If missing that morning cup of java leaves you tired and lacking energy, you might be
addicted to caffeine.
Since many habitual coffee drinkers use caffeine as an aid for starting the day or as a refresher
in the afternoon, it comes as no surprise that their energy levels dip dramatically
when they don't get that regular intake.
According to CNN Health, quitting caffeine can mean losing the psychological energy push
that drinking coffee provides.
Pounding headaches
Since the primary cause of caffeine-related headaches has to do with withdrawal from the
substance, often times the pain can be eased, ironically, by consuming more caffeine.
Of course, if you get to a point in which you need to have more of something just to
stave off pain, you're probably aware you may have a bit of a problem.
As people who consume only small amounts of caffeine daily don't tend to suffer debilitating
headaches when they pull back, you might consider gradually cutting back on coffee, sodas, and
teas that contain caffeine.
"Can you take half of the regular version of the coffee and mix it with half of the
decaffeinated version or is that just too weird a thing?"
Gonna puke?
If you are indeed addicted to caffeine and suddenly go without, you may experience physical
symptoms of withdrawal.
The strange, uneasy feeling like you may need to vomit ASAP is one indicator of an unhealthy
dependency on caffeine.
On the other hand, drinking coffee in and of itself can be the cause of your nausea.
While having coffee in small amounts can be fine, over consumption can make you feel sick
to your stomach.
Depression
According to the Mayo Clinic, there's an indirect connection between caffeine consumption and
depression.
Since excessive intake of caffeine can prevent people from getting the proper amount of sleep,
their moods may be affected adversely, contributing to feelings of depression.
If you're already addicted to caffeine, stopping your coffee habit cold turkey can also add
to your depressed state.
Studies have shown that people who already suffer from mood disorders such as anxiety
and depression may want to steer clear of caffeine altogether.
Muscle problems
You know that all-over achy feeling you get when you're coming down with the flu?
According to the Wall Street Journal, similar types of muscle pain, cramping, and stiffness
can occur when you've become addicted to caffeine and try to pull back from it.
Normal activities that you take for granted, like walking and light exercise, might start
to feel strenuous and burdensome during caffeine withdrawal.
Mood swings
Since caffeine is a legal substance found in beverages you can easily purchase, it can
be easy to forget that caffeine is still an addictive stimulant and it can affect your
moods tremendously.
People who are dependent on their daily intake suffer greatly when they don't get their fix,
so to speak.
As The Nest pointed out, if you are addicted, you may find that over time, you need more
and more caffeine to remain stable.
"Put that coffee down."
Consuming your regular amount no longer has the same effect, causing you to experience
more and more dips in your moods.
Digestion
If you find that you have digestive issues that cause you to feel constipated on the
reg, it may be time to examine your relationship with caffeine.
Having trouble maintaining regular healthy bowel movements can be one surefire sign that
you're hooked.
According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, studies indicate that drinking
coffee and other beverages that contain caffeine can lead to a host of stomach problems.
"Of course I had no movements at all.
On Thursday or Friday, which was distressing in its own way."
While all these indicators don't necessarily mean you are addicted to caffeine, they do
present red flags.
If you are unsure if you are dependent on it, ask your doctor to help you parse out
your symptoms.
"For your health!"
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