Caffeine and Addiction
Caffeine is considered to be an even more addictive drug than amphetamines and much higher in dependence than even marijuana. Almost 30% of casual users of caffeine become addicted and caffeine is found in so many things that are consumed every day that it’s hard to find a product without it. Caffeine is a commonplace central nervous system stimulant drug that occurs in nature as part of coffee, tea, yerba mate and some other plants. However, importantly, caffeine is also an unnatural additive in many consumer products, most notably beverages advertised as energy drinks. Caffeine is also added to sodas such as Coca-Cola and Pepsi, where on the ingredients listing, it is designated as a flavoring agent – not a harmful addictive substance.
Preventdisease.com reports that, “Roland Griffiths, a professor in the departments of psychiatry and neuroscience at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, said that studies had demonstrated that people who take in a minimum of 100 mg of caffeine per day (about the amount in one cup of coffee) can acquire a physical dependence that would trigger withdrawal symptoms that include headaches, muscle pain and stiffness, lethargy, nausea, vomiting, depressed mood, and marked irritability.”
Many wonder why caffeine is not mentioned more often as a highly addictive substance in regards to substance abuse. The answer is simply that it is almost always omitted from the list or not included in ranking or charting addictive substance abuse. Another often omitted substances like caffeine is high fructose corn syrup – which causes an addiction similar to cocaine. Being aware of the substances we put into our bodies is important and new research uncovers their effects and impacts each day.
Source: preventdisease.com