Totally addicted to caffeine

[Jimmah]

I've been getting headaches since I was a kid, some mild others pretty brutal as well as the occasional migraine. My old doc said when I feel a headache coming on or gearing up, I should have a cola or tea and see if it helps. Well, it did and I started drinking tea in the morning and having a can of cola in the afternoon (about 3 years ago), slowly began to get more and more often that I'd find myself needing another can or bottle. Now if I go more than a few hours without some sort of caffeine my joints start aching, I grind my teeth (I notice myself doing it) without knowing, neck gets tense and a new headache begins, as well as lack of concentration.

I've tried taking shot glasses full instead of an entire can/bottle but it has limited effects, mostly just lasts an hour or two and I need another. Went off it totally when my wife did Lent (thought it would be good to try) but I found myself really jonesing for it while having more pain.

Doc says nothing is wrong with me, blood is fine (just had it checked about 1 month ago), fitness is fine and I eat well, just this damn almost insatiable craving for caffeine things.

I totally hate the taste of cola's now, and tea is flavourless as well (I try to stick with earl grey). Makes me sad as I used to really enjoy them.


Any ideas or experiences in dealing with an addiction this low-caliber?

 

[TripleAAA]

I know the feeling. I've been on a caffeine binge lately myself and come mid-afternoon its either a headache or extreme-sluggishness for me.

I'm personally going to try and just drink lots of water, eat fresh foods, and just try to ween myself off of it. My caffeine comes mostly in the form of either coffee or tea. My thought process is trying to flush myself of the toxin that is caffeine.

Also, be somewhat rebellious to your body during those times. I find when I feel sluggish or crappy, I'll sometimes force myself to go on a run and after 20-30 mins I'll feel actually refreshed.

Lastly, you might want to try a drink that I posted in another thread called Kombucha. It's more of a natural lift and also healthy for you. Find it at most larger health food stores...be careful opening the bottles though. =)

 

[brandonb]

There is only one way. Cold Turkey. You will get massive headaches for a few days, but just tuff it out. Then you'll get a few more a week or two later. Tuff it out. Then you'll be fine.

You can't ween yourself down with Caffeine because it gives you withdrawls even if you consume it. So you'll get massive headaches if you try to slowly work yourself down. Why torture yourself? Just quit and deal with hit. Prepare to do it on a 3 day weekend, and quit drinking on a Thursday. Friday you generally will feel ok, just a bit jumpy, but usually Saturday you'll be in bed all day feeling like crap. Expect it.

Also Ibruorphen usually helps with caffeine withdrawls, but you'll have to take about 8-12 (not necessary at once, but 6 in the morning, 6 in the afternoon.) Nothing else like Tylenol usually helps with caffeine withdrawls, atleast not with me.

 

[irishScott]

Originally posted by: brandonb
There is only one way. Cold Turkey. You will get massive headaches for a few days, but just tuff it out. Then you'll get a few more a week or two later. Tuff it out. Then you'll be fine.

You can't ween yourself down with Caffeine because it gives you withdrawls even if you consume it. So you'll get massive headaches if you try to slowly work yourself down. Why torture yourself? Just quit and deal with hit. Prepare to do it on a 3 day weekend, and quit drinking on a Thursday. Friday you generally will feel ok, just a bit jumpy, but usually Saturday you'll be in bed all day feeling like crap. Expect it.

Also Ibruorphen usually helps with caffeine withdrawls, but you'll have to take about 8-12 (not necessary at once, but 6 in the morning, 6 in the afternoon.) Nothing else like Tylenol usually helps with caffeine withdrawls, atleast not with me.

QFT. I used to drink 1-3 cans of soda a day. Went Cold Turkey, worst of it was over by the 4th day. Then I stayed off it for a month, cravings went away. Now my liquids almost entirely consist of fruit juice, water, and white/green/red tea. I'll drink some strong black tea if I need a pick-me-up. I'm not above drinking soda, but I no longer crave it like I used to.

 

[onlyCOpunk]

It might also just be the sweetness factor. Find a substitute like Crystal Light or herbal teas. And if you start to get headaches from withdrawal take a power nap or a full nap if you can.

 

[CADsortaGUY]

Originally posted by: irishScott

Originally posted by: brandonb
There is only one way. Cold Turkey. You will get massive headaches for a few days, but just tuff it out. Then you'll get a few more a week or two later. Tuff it out. Then you'll be fine.

You can't ween yourself down with Caffeine because it gives you withdrawls even if you consume it. So you'll get massive headaches if you try to slowly work yourself down. Why torture yourself? Just quit and deal with hit. Prepare to do it on a 3 day weekend, and quit drinking on a Thursday. Friday you generally will feel ok, just a bit jumpy, but usually Saturday you'll be in bed all day feeling like crap. Expect it.

Also Ibruorphen usually helps with caffeine withdrawls, but you'll have to take about 8-12 (not necessary at once, but 6 in the morning, 6 in the afternoon.) Nothing else like Tylenol usually helps with caffeine withdrawls, atleast not with me.

QFT. I used to drink 1-3 cans of soda a day. Went Cold Turkey, worst of it was over by the 4th day. Then I stayed off it for a month, cravings went away. Now my liquids almost entirely consist of fruit juice, water, and white/green/red tea. I'll drink some strong black tea if I need a pick-me-up. I'm not above drinking soda, but I no longer crave it like I used to.

1-3 cans a day? Pffttt... I'd have 3 gone by 10am when I was on the drug. I'd easily drink a 12pk of mt.dew a day.
Anyway, yes - cold turkey for me too. Like others say, the first couple days are the worst. My situation might be a bit different since my sugar consumption(corn syrup) was part of the issue too but days 2-5 were "bad". Day 3 was the worst - I was literally sick from shocking my body so badly. I replaced the caffeine sugar water with straight water. I drank about a gallon and a half a day for the first week - nothing else to drink.
I now drink an occasional soda but don't stock any at home.

 

[TripleAAA]

12 pack of regular mt. dew a day? Wow...now that's an addict! There has got to be some long term effects of that down the road for you, I hate to say it.

 

[saechaka]

why quit? how about keeping it in moderation. seems there are many health benefits to coffee. http://men.webmd.com/features/coffee-new-health-food

 

[SZLiao214]

I never really had the headaches that people are talking about here. Though for a few days i was falling asleep a few hours earlier in the night.

I don't think its that important for you to quit. Just cut back some if you are worried.

 

[DAPUNISHER]

Originally posted by: saechaka
why quit? how about keeping it in moderation. seems there are many health benefits to coffee. http://men.webmd.com/features/coffee-new-health-food

Thanks for that. I have zero intention of giving up my coffee, but I do brew a small batch of a good decaf when I want more after 2 cups. Use, don't abuse.

 

[CADsortaGUY]

Originally posted by: TripleAAA
12 pack of regular mt. dew a day? Wow...now that's an addict! There has got to be some long term effects of that down the road for you, I hate to say it.

Thus my reason for quitting. I'm still quite healthy otherwise - always have been.