Caffeine and nicotine are stimulant drugs that activate your nervous system. Although these substances are legal, their use can result in adverse effects. For some, addiction can develop, and for others, abrupt but temporary physiological changes occur, including increased heart rate and a rise in blood pressure. Use of caffeine is associated with short-term withdrawal symptoms and minimal long-term health complications. Chronic use of nicotine is also associated with withdrawal symptoms and an increased risk of lung cancer or other serious health complications.
Addictive Potential
Regular consumption of either substance results in an increased tolerance to the stimulating properties of the substance. Tolerance is when your body needs more of the substance to achieve the desired effects, such as alertness or energy. Tolerance is a primary indicator of addiction along with symptoms of physical and psychological withdrawal. Caffeine and nicotine do not generally induce a feeling of intoxication like alcohol or marijuana. However, caffeine and nicotine do alter chemicals in your brain, temporarily affecting your mood, thoughts and energy. After long-term use of either substance, you will likely experience irritating withdrawal symptoms when you stop using them.
Caffeine Withdrawal
The severity of withdrawal symptoms from caffeine depends on how much you drink and how well your body tolerates the stimulant. In general, if you consume no more than 300 mg of caffeine daily, you may not experience withdrawal. However, if you are a heavy caffeine user, symptoms may begin to appear from 12 to 48 hours after you stop consumption. Headache is the most common caffeine withdrawal symptom, but you may also experience mood swings, poor concentration and mental lethargy or sleep disturbance. These symptoms abate from one week to nine days after caffeine cessation. If you experience intense withdrawal symptoms for extended periods of time, consult your physician to determine if other factors are involved.
Nicotine Withdrawal
Nicotine acts as an immediate stimulant but also has depressive properties, says Medline Plus. Withdrawal symptoms can begin within three hours after the last use of nicotine and last up to three days. According to the American Heart Association, nicotine only lasts in your blood for two hours, but excessive use throughout the day can increase your blood nicotine levels for up to eight hours after you stop smoking. Withdrawal symptoms include mood fluctuations such as anxiety, depression and irritability, difficulty concentrating, appetite changes and cravings. The intensity of symptoms you experience varies depending on your use patterns and specific tolerance to the drug.
Managing Withdrawal Symptoms
The physiological withdrawal symptoms that affect your body, such as heart rate, blood pressure and headaches, cause discomfort but are generally short-lived after cessation of caffeine or nicotine. The most difficult portion of cessation stems from the psychological withdrawal, including mood fluctuations, cravings and breaking the patterns associated with use of the substance. In managing caffeine withdrawal, gradually decrease your daily intake while increasing your water intake to help prevent headaches. Stimulate your mind with a brisk walk or jog instead of a cup of coffee, and consider trying decaf beverages. For nicotine cessation, work with a trained medical professional or support group to help you learn coping skills to stop smoking. Talk to your physician about smoking cessation medications to determine safety for your condition.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Caffeine; How Much is Too Much?; March 9, 2011
- St. John Providence Health System: Caffeine Withdrawal
- Johns Hopkins Medicine: Caffeine Withdrawal Recognized as a Disorder; Trent Stockton; Sept. 29, 2004
- MayoClinic.com: Nicotine Dependence; Nov. 23, 2010
- Medline Plus: Nicotine Addiction and Withdrawal
- American Heart Association: Why is It So Hard to Quit?
