Caffeine, one of the most popular psychoactive substances in the world, is also addictive and can cause withdrawal symptoms in people who stop consuming the stimulant abruptly. In 2004, Johns Hopkins announced that the syndrome, caffeine withdrawal, qualified for inclusion in the mental health compendium, "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders," or DSM-IV. Symptoms of the condition include headache, difficulty concentrating and muscle pain.
Caffeine
Caffeine is one of the most commonly used stimulants in the world, according to Johns Hopkins. It's produced naturally in coffee, tea, cocoa and added to colas, energy drinks and even pain medications. The chemical works by stimulating the nervous system, which leads to increased alertness and can elevate the mood. The amount of caffeine it takes to produce a reaction varies from one person to the next. It takes a very small amount of the substance, equivalent to a cup of coffee per day, says Johns Hopkins, to produce dependence.
Symptoms
Coffee withdrawal can lead to headaches, fatigue, inability to sleep, lack of focus and concentration. About 89 to 90 percent of people in the United States consume foods or beverages with caffeine, according to CNN Health. About half will experience symptoms of withdrawal, such as muscle soreness, at some point. As early as 1992, a study published in the "New England Journal of Medicine" found that muscle pain and other symptoms can occur after the cessation of doses as low as 100 mg per day, or one cup of coffee.
How it Works
Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system by interfering with chemicals in the brain responsible for awake and sleep functions. As the substance binds to receptors, it sets off a chain reaction that eventually leads to the pituitary gland firing off adrenalin. The effects include increased energy, dilated pupils and heart beat stimulation. As this process is repeated with increased caffeine intake, the body becomes accustomed to it and begins to rely on the stimulant. Stopping daily consumption changes blood flow and electrical impulses in the brain, which leads to withdrawal and symptoms, according to a 2009 study from researchers at University of Vermont College of Medicine.
Treatment
Reducing caffeine consumption gradually, rather than abruptly stopping, can reduce or eliminate withdrawal syndrome. MayoClinic.com suggests reading labels on everything you eat since caffeine comes in a wide variety of foods and drinks. Consuming just a small amount can make quitting the habit difficult. Cut back gradually. Drinking one fewer caffeinated beverage a day will help your body adjust to less caffeine. Over-the-counter pain medications can help ease muscle soreness and other symptoms, but be sure to read the label. Many drugs contain caffeine, in amounts as high as 130 mg, which is more than a standard cup of coffee.
References
- CNN Health: Beware the Perils of Caffeine Withdrawal; April 2009
- TeensHealth: Caffeine; January 2008
- "New England Journal of Medicine"; Withdrawal Syndrome After the Double-Blind Cessation of Caffeine Consumption; Kenneth Silverman; October 1992
- University of Minnesota, Department of Psychology; How Does Caffeine Work in the Brain; Mandy Lind
- ScienceDaily: Caffeine Withdrawal Headache Explained
- Johns Hopkins: Caffeine Withdrawal Recognized as a Disorder
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