Caffeine consumption stimulates your central nervous system, producing a sense of wakefulness, energy and ability to focus. Consuming more than 200 to 300 mg of caffeine on a daily basis can lead to physical dependency and addiction. You know you are developing a physical addiction to caffeine if you rely on it to wake up or feel energetic and if you experience withdrawal symptoms such as headaches and lethargy when you cut back or stop consuming products that contain caffeine.
Step 1
Assess your daily caffeine intake. If you drink four or more cups of regular coffee a day, you may be consuming up to 500 or 600 mg of caffeine. Using high amounts of caffeine on a regular basis can gradually lead to dependence and possible addiction. Your total daily intake of caffeine can help you identify if you are at risk.
Step 2
Delay and reduce caffeine intake. If you reduce or delay your caffeine intake and you experience signs of withdrawal, it is likely that you have an addiction to caffeine. You can delay use by waiting until later in the morning to drink your daily coffee, and you can reduce the amount of caffeine by cutting down on the amount of tea, coffee, or caffeinated sodas you drink on a daily basis. Record your daily use on a calendar or in a journal.
Step 3
Monitor physical symptoms. As you cut down on your caffeine intake, monitor your physical reactions for symptoms of withdrawal. If you experience headaches, marked fatigue or mood changes such as irritability or depression as you reduce your caffeine intake it's likely that you are experiencing withdrawal from a physical addiction.
Step 4
Monitor and record changes over several days to a week. Keeping a journal of your physical symptoms and mood changes in relation to your caffeine intake can help you assess the severity of your addiction. You may be able to reduce your caffeine intake gradually over the course of several weeks and experience less-intense withdrawal symptoms than if you suddenly stop consuming caffeine.
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