Live Your Life Be Free!

I stopped drinking tea on Saturday and have been slowly recovering. Based on my research, people have different sensitivities to caffeine – some are able to quit cold turkey no problem, others have the symptoms for up to nine days. I found a great message board where people share their experiences with caffeine withdrawal and here is a typical experience (from an anonymous user):

For the first two days I was fighting terrible headaches, feeling tension around my temples. The brain fog was awful, causing me difficulties in getting my work done.

I had a similar experience. I had a bad headache, but kept it at bay for most of Saturday and Sunday with Advil. But the thing I couldn’t get enough of was rest. I just wanted to sleep and sleep and sleep. I even went out on a 50k bike ride and sat on a bench at the 1/2 way mark to look at a beautiful view, then ended up falling asleep beside the bench! I have never slept in public before (because I feel to afraid someone is going to steal my wallet or something)- but I just couldn’t resist! Now I am in day three – and have moments of feeling in tune with my natural energy – but I am still exhausted.

The John Hopkins site on Caffeine Dependence says:

The potential for caffeine withdrawal to cause clinically significant distress or impairment in functioning is reflected by the inclusion of caffeine withdrawal as an official diagnosis in ICD-10 (World Health Organization) and as a proposed diagnosis in DSM-IV (American Psychiatric Association).

Headache – (often described as being gradual in development and diffuse, and sometimes throbbing and severe)

Fatigue – (e.g., fatigue, tiredness, lethargy, sluggishness)

Sleepiness/drowsiness – (e.g., sleepy, drowsy, yawning)

Difficulty concentrating – (e.g., muzzy)

Work difficulty – (e.g., decreased motivation for tasks/work)

Irritability – (e.g., irritable, cross, miserable, decreased well-being/contentedness)

Depression – (e.g., depressed mood)

Anxiety – (e.g., anxious, nervous)

Flu-like symptoms – (e.g., nausea/vomiting, muscle aches/stiffness, hot and cold spells, heavy feelings in arms or legs)

Impairment in psychomotor, vigilance and cognitive performances

The symptoms last from 5-9 days. The John Hopkins site also concludes that at least 50% of people aren’t drinking caffeine out of enjoyment, but they are instead just pushing back withdrawal symptoms. So – this is pretty serious. I’m think they should have some sort of public warning about the addiction to caffeine. Those line-ups at the coffee shop are full of addicts! Not to mention that coffee causes panic attacks and severe anxiety in some people.

Another user (from Seattle, the North American capital of caffeine) says:

You don’t have to be a slave to caffeine. Realize that your body needs real energy and nourishment, not a fix.
Good Luck to all!