Nutrition

is coffee actually ADDICTIVE?

Written by Jennifer Miller

You wake up every morning to the smell

of your automatic coffee pot brewing a fresh pot. You make your way to the kitchen, pour the freshly brewed coffee into your favorite mug, top with some cream and make your way to your favorite chair by the window to drink your first cup. Later, after your morning routine, the coffee has taken full effect and you feel ready to head out into the world and tackle the day. But how much caffeine is too much caffeine and is it truly addictive? In short, according to the ADA , the answer is no. Most experts are wary of labeling caffeine as an addictive substance. Most addictions or addictive substances have 3 identifying characteristics, one of which is “continued use despite harm to themselves or others”. Most of us wouldn’t hurt someone over our morning cup of coffee even though some days we would like to. Caffeine is a natural stimulant also found in chocolate, tea and sodas. The average 8 oz cup of coffee contains 100 mg of caffeine. Caffeine is quickly absorbed by your gut and then travels to your brain where the effects like mood boosting, higher concentration and motivation start to come to their peak in 30 to 60 minutes. These effects generally last 3 to 6 hours.

Caffeine can change your brain’s chemistry over time. Caffeine blocks the production of adenosine molecules which are what give you a relaxed and sleepy feeling. It also stimulates your body into producing more natural stimulants like dopamine and boosts their effects. This explains why midway through your favorite Pumpkin Spice latte you feel like you can conquer the world.

However, most experts will argue that caffeine is more behaviorally addicting than physically. The ritual itself of your morning coffee, or pulling up to your favorite coffee stand and having the crew know your favorite drink, can be more addicting than the boost of stimulants. While cutting back on your daily intake is easy for some, others may experience headaches, lack of concentration, drowsiness and irritability. Thankfully these “withdrawal” symptoms only last about two days.

While caffeine may not be considered addictive, it can worsen anxiety, insomnia and cause temporary heart palpitations. So, if you’re looking to cut down on your daily consumption, which experts say should not exceed 400 mg a day, but will miss the ritual of your morning cup of joe, you’re not alone. Try swapping your second or third cup for decaf coffee, or herbal tea. Having trouble sleeping? Ditch the afternoon cold brew for a fruit smoothie which is full of antioxidants and helps you stay full until dinner.

No need to give up your daily doppio, but if you find yourself feeling more anxious or losing sleep, try cutting down on caffeine.

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