You might not think of caffeine as a narcotic. However, a research paper published in "Neuropsychopharmacology: 5th Generation of Progress" states that caffeine is arguably one of the most "robust forms of drug self-administration known to man." Like other stimulant drugs, caffeine can cause addiction as well as a number of side effects. As with other narcotics, you also may experience certain withdrawal symptoms, including numbness, when you stop using caffeine.
Caffeine's Effects on Your Body
Caffeine is a naturally occurring drug produced in the leaves and seeds of certain plants, including tea leaves, cocoa beans and coffee beans. Most people use caffeine for a quick pick-me-up due to its stimulating effects on the nervous system. Caffeine can cause an increase in alertness, elevate your mood and give you a temporary energy burst. As with other narcotics, your body can quickly become addicted to these seemingly pleasant effects. However, when your body becomes accustomed to caffeine, you require more and more in order to achieve the desired outcome. While caffeine's effects vary based on your age, weight and height, even small amounts of caffeine can interfere with your sleep, cause digestive upset, increase your heart rate and result in unwanted mood symptoms such as nervousness or irritability.
Caffeine Withdrawal Symptoms
Caffeine can be addictive even if you use it in low doses. The caffeine found in an average cup of coffee, around 75 to 250 milligrams, can cause dependence if used regularly. Authors of the book "Substance Abuse: A Comprehensive Textbook" note that high doses of caffeine -- between 750 and 1,000 milligrams -- administered on a daily basis can produce complete tolerance. That is, you experience no symptoms from caffeine use because your body has learned to tolerate it. However, once you stop using caffeine, your body can go into withdrawal, especially if you are used to very high, regular doses. Caffeine withdrawal can cause irritability, depression, anxiety, headaches, nausea, fatigue, lethargy, heavy feelings in your legs and arms, vomiting, stiffness in your joints, problems concentrating and numbness in your extremities and on your skin.
Numbness and Caffeine Withdrawal
Numbness is not a common symptom of caffeine withdrawal. Although it has not been well-documented in clinical trials, symptoms of numbness, tingling and paresthesia, a condition characterized by tingling, burning and numbness of the skin, can occur in some people during caffeine withdrawal, according to a clinical review published in 2004 in the journal, "Psychopharmacology."
Treatment
Symptoms of caffeine withdrawal generally disappear after a few days but can last up to nine days. Headache and bodily aches and pains generally can be treated effectively using over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen, aspirin and acetaminophen. Although it's uncommon, numbness can be a sign of a more serious underlying disorder. If your symptoms persist, do not attempt to self-diagnose your condition. Consult your doctor to discuss your symptoms and obtain treatment advice.
References
- Neuropsychopharmacology: 5th Generation of Progress; Caffeine - A Drug of Abuse; Roland R. Griffiths and Geoffrey K. Mumford
- NSW Government-Health: Caffeine Fact Sheet
- Substance Abuse: A Comprehensive Textbook; Joyce H. Lowinson, et al.
- Assessment and Therapy: Specialty Articles from the Encyclopedia of Mental Health; Howard S. Friedman
