Welcome to a short blog series about addictions which are, for the most part, culturally and socially acceptable in America. I know there is a big problem with drug, alcohol, and gambling addictions in our country, but I will save that discussion for another time. I would like to devote the next month or so to discussing the addictions many of us have that make us unhealthy physically, emotionally, and even spiritually; yet these addictions are not considered serious problems by most. In fact, the first addiction I will be discussing, caffeine addiction, is often promoted in the workplace, on social media (such as facebook statuses, twitter posts, and memes), and in the line at Starbucks.
I know I'm going to step on the toes of many avid espresso lovers, but it's something I've struggled with (and still struggle with to this day). So let me share with you the possible problems associated with caffeine addiction, including those which I have personally experienced.
Because of my many caffeine "hangovers" I experience after a day or two of over-imbibing on the frappuccinos and chai lattes I love so much, I have come to recognize the seriousness of caffeine addiction. Some of you may think I'm being ridiculous, but it really is a problem for many. So when I see a quote like this one:
It is inhumane, in my opinion, to force people who have a genuine medical need for coffee to wait in line behind people who apparently view it as some kind of recreational activity. ~ David Barry
I don't really find it all that funny. I kind of want to roll my eyes. Medical need? I know this is a joke, but if you really think you have a medical need for coffee, you may have symptoms of another medical condition like fatigue, fibromyalgia or thyroid dysfunction. Or, maybe you just need more sleep.
If you're on the go constantly, it's easy to just grab your coffee and keep on going. The tougher thing is to cut things out of your schedule and make time for rest. Get off the crazy train! Give yourself some margin in your life.
Or, if you've got migraines, fatigue, allergies or some other lethargia-inducing medical problem, it may be time for a check-up with your physician or dietician. Diet is especially important when it comes to having energy. One thing that often comes with caffeine addiction is sugar addiction, which can zap your energy with your blood sugar spikes and dips. I will cover sugar addiction in another post.
Also,we all know caffeine can keep you from sleeping or sleeping well at night. That may be why you are tired to begin with. If you can't get in the seven to nine hours most of us adults need at night, try taking a 20 minute power nap during your lunch break in your car or during your child's nap. It may be just the boost you need to get through the rest of your day.
So good and bad news about caffeine addiction: Bad news- Your body will build up a tolerance to caffeine very quickly. It only takes a few days. The good news is, if you decide to stop taking caffeine, the worst of your withdrawal symptoms will probably be over in about 2-4 days. If you decide to do this, it is wise to wean off the caffeine slowly. Try half-caf for awhile then switch to decaf gradually. If you decide to go cold turkey, those first few days will probably be a doozy for you- you may want to stock up on the aspirin and/or Tylenol (but not Anacin or Excedrin as they both contain caffeine). If you're still wanting to have a little caffeine, and don't really like decaf, I also suggest green or black tea sweetened with a little honey or agave nectar and with spices added in for more flavor. I like to add sage to black tea for a middle-eastern flavor. By the way, if you're wondering how much caffeine is in your favorite drink, here's a link for you to check out:
http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/caffeine/art-20049372
Mayo Clinic is a very reputable source for health information. I think you will find the above chart helpful.
So, my personal experience is that my personality changes when I drink too much caffeine. I get moody if I've had caffeine earlier in the day or the day before and then stop taking it. I sometimes just want to yell at everyone and throw things (I usually don't though). This is not cool. I begin to depend on caffeine to make my brain work faster in social situations. I become more chatty. I feel I should be able to come up with conversation topics without putting myself on super-speed. Not to mention, I think I can get pretty annoying to whomever I'm talking to when I'm over-caffeinated.
I also admit I use caffeine to get housework done. I struggle to keep my energy up during the day and often put off chores until the last hour or two before hubby gets home. This really is not a good thing, considering the fact that as a homemaker, my job is to take care of my daughter, and make the house a nice place to live and socialize in.
The main reason I want to overcome caffeine and other addictions? Because, as a believer in Christ, I want to be led by the Holy Spirit, not by artificial substances.
14For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. Romans 8:14 (NIV)
Everything is permissible for me," but not everything is helpful. "Everything is permissible for me," but I will not be brought under the control of anything. " 1 Cor. 6:12 (HCSB)
Based on the reasons I mentioned above, I try to refrain from using caffeine. If you know me, I usually do a terrible job at it. Therefore, I am in no position to judge anyone else for using caffeine for energy. And, let's face it, sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do to get through the day. (I especially feel for you night-shifters)! Consider this a challenge for us all to think about why we are making the choices we are making concerning the things we put in our bodies and become dependent upon. Ask yourself how much caffeine you are having and why. Take an inventory of your health and emotional needs and see if there is another need that is not being met. Addictions can be symptoms of greater problems. Make sure you take care of yourself. You are worth it!
P.S. If you do have some sort of medical condition that for some reason does require you to take a supplement or substance containing caffeine, I apologize for my lack of knowledge about your prescription. I have not done extensive research as to which, if any, medical conditions require caffeine consumption. Please do not discontinue caffeine use if it is recommended or prescribed to you by your physician. This post is only meant as a self-challenge for those who are addicted to and dependent on caffeine who do not have a medical condition that requires it.
