Caffeine (cont.)
Is caffeine addictive?
Have you ever said that you can't function until your
morning cup of coffee? Do you find yourself reaching for caffeinated coffee,
tea, or soda when you are feeling lethargic? Could it be that you are addicted
to caffeine? That all depends on who you ask. Whether we consume caffeine for
pleasure or purpose is a controversial topic. Those opposed to caffeine being
addictive claim that we consume it for the pleasure of the product, while those
who believe that it is addictive claim that we consume it for the purpose of
satisfying our craving for it.
Psychiatric diagnoses are categorized by a manual published by the American
Psychiatric Association called the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental
Disorders, 4th edition (DSM-IV). This manual covers all mental-health disorders
for both children and adults. The DSM-IV has a proposed diagnosis of caffeine
withdrawal, instead of an official diagnosis, to encourage further research on
the range and specificity of caffeine-withdrawal symptoms. A review and analysis
of the effects of caffeine abstinence in humans claims that the withdrawal
symptoms experienced are proof of physical dependence. These symptoms include
headache, tiredness/fatigue, decreased energy/activeness, decreased
alertness/attentiveness, drowsiness/sleepiness, decreased
contentedness/well-being, depressed mood, difficulty concentrating,
irritability, and felling muzzy/foggy/not clearheaded. The study also found that
the onset of withdrawal symptoms typically begins 12 to 24 hours after
abstinence, with the peak intensity occurring at 20 to 51 hours. The duration of
withdrawal symptoms ranged from two to nine days. This is a considerable amount of
time that makes it easy to understand why people would have a hard time omitting
caffeine from their diet. It was recommended that further research be done to
determine how vulnerability to caffeine withdrawal is affected by gender,
genetics, personality, behavioral conditioning, drug abuse histories, and other
factors.
As compelling as the research in favor of caffeine being addictive is, there
is equally compelling evidence that it is not addictive. It is argued that the
pleasurable aroma, taste, and social aspects of coffee are the reasons for
consumption. Research has shown that the desire to repeatedly use caffeine is
primarily found in heavy caffeine consumers who also had histories of alcohol or
drug abuse, and not in moderate consumers. While there is some agreement about
the occurrence of withdrawal symptoms, there is disagreement about any form of
addiction to caffeine. An addiction can be demonstrated by the irresistibility
of regular consumption and problems created from its consumption. Caffeinated
products are said to be consumed by habit, not need, and do not pose any harm to
society.
The definitive answer to the question of whether caffeine is addictive is
still unknown. Research is under way to clarify the issue. For anyone looking to
decrease or cut out caffeine, experts all recommend doing so slowly. Stopping
abruptly can result in unpleasant side effects.
Next: Is caffeine a diuretic? »
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