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Symptoms That Suggest Caffeine Addiction
So, is caffeine an actual addiction?
The short answer is, yes, it can be.
If you have low sensitivity, you may need to drink more caffeine to feel the desired effects.
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Caffeine dependence means your body requires caffeine each day.
Caffeine withdrawalis a group of symptoms that accompany not having caffeine.
These commonly include headaches and drowsiness.
Caffeine Quantity: How Much Makes You Addicted?
How much caffeine do you have to drink a day to be considered addicted?
Since everyone’s sensitivity is different, there isn’t an exact number forhow much caffeine is too much.
Plus, factors like body weight and medications can influence how caffeine affects a person.
Instead of a specific quantity, caffeine addiction or dependence is marked by behaviors and increasing tolerance to caffeine.
Increasing tolerance is one of the key symptoms of caffeine use disorder.
People who are pregnant or breastfeeding shouldconsume far less caffeine.
Beverages With Higher Caffeine Content
Some drinks have excessive amounts of caffeine.
Consuming these, especially regularly, could make your tolerance higher and withdrawal symptoms worse.
Examples of high-caffeine drinks include energy drinks (or concentrated drops) and espresso.
Highly concentrated caffeine, like pure powdered or liquid concentrate caffeine, can also be dangerous.
Here are some otherlower-caffeine alternativesto try:
Adjusting to a different drink can take time.
Summary
Caffeine addiction or dependence is called caffeine use disorder.
Gradually reducing how much caffeine you consume may help limit the likelihood of experiencing withdrawal symptoms.
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American Psychiatric Association.What is a substance use disorder?
2020;212:108024. doi:10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2020.108024
Food and Drug Administration.Spilling the beans: how much caffeine is too much?
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Maternal diet and breastfeeding.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.How much coffee can I drink while pregnant?
Food and Drug Administration.Pure and highly concentrated caffeine.
2016;84(2):113-121. doi:10.1037/ccp0000064
