Caffeine is one of the most-consumed substances in the world, especially in North America. The mood-altering drug comes from several plants, and in the U.S., adults drink about 280 milligrams of caffeine a day, which equals 84 ounces of soft drinks or 17 ounces of coffee. However, people are becoming aware of the health risks associated with caffeine and starting to cut back or eliminate the substance entirely from their diets.

Effects

Many people feel dependent on their morning cup of coffee, but most of the time that dependency does not technically meet the criteria of addiction set by the American Psychiatric Association. However, the World Health Organization recognizes caffeine addiction as a health condition. Caffeine can aggravate already existing psychiatric problems like insomnia related to depression and anxiety disorders. Depending on the amount consumed, caffeine is mood-altering. It causes alertness, energetic arousal and feelings of well-being with moderate consumption, while large doses cause nervousness, upset stomach and anxiety.

Withdrawal

The biggest sign you might have a problem with caffeine consumption is if you experience problems with your mood and health if you skip your morning coffee or lunchtime soda break.

These symptoms include:

Difficulty focusing

Lethargy or fatigue

Headache

Depression

Anxiety

Irritability

Flu-like symptoms

The most common sign of caffeine withdrawal is headache, according to several studies. About 50 percent of regular caffeine drinkers reported experiencing headaches after not drinking coffee or soft drinks for 24 hours. The symptoms vary depending on the person and how much caffeine they consumed every day. The withdrawal generally follows the same course with symptoms occurring 12 to 24 hours after abstaining from caffeine with symptoms peaking at 20 to 48 hours later. The withdrawal symptoms can persist from two days to one week.

Solace Counseling can provide help to those wishing to solve addiction problems. Visit Solace Counseling on Facebook and Twitter.