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It's in your coffee, tea, favorite sports drinks, and even chocolate! It's caffeine and it's used by millions of people to get a quick, safe energy boost. Or is it? Did you know that caffeine can actually become addicting? And it can cause damage to your body if consumed long-term in large doses? People choosing to kick their caffeine habit can also go through withdrawals. Decreasing your caffeine intake can cause the same symptoms related to a drug detox. Read on to learn more about this seemingly safe ingredient that can actually wreak havoc on your health and your life.
Why is Caffeine Addictive?
Let's start out by saying that caffeine in itself is not actually addictive. Instead, people become dependent on caffeine. Their bodies and minds rely on the feeling that caffeine gives them. Like many other drugs (and yes, caffeine is considered a drug), consuming it enhances your body's dopamine signals to the brain. Because dopamine levels in the body control your movement, emotions, and motivation, when people drink coffee, they feel more alert and awake. Caffeine is known as a stimulant.
Why is Quitting Caffeine so Difficult?
The reason it's so difficult to wean yourself off of caffeine is because you become physically and mentally dependent on this stimulant. Your body becomes physically addicted to the spike in dopamine that gives you increased energy. When you no longer have this boost, you will experience physical side...