Caffeine: My Drug of Choice

We all have our vices. For some it’s chocolate, for others it’s reality TV.

Me?

I’m a caffeine addict.

I need my fix from the moment I roll out of bed to the second I lay my head down at night. I used to think I just “liked” coffee. But, I’ll be honest — I have a problem.

My obsession started innocently enough in college when I discovered the magic of coffee to help me study all night. One cup turned into a pot, which turned into stopping at Starbucks on the way to class every morning.

Before I knew it, I was plotting my day around when and where I could get my next caffeine hit.

I wish I could say I’ve tried to cut back, but who am I kidding? I actually increased my intake once I entered the workforce. Coffee in the morning, tea in the afternoon, preworkout before the gym, and don’t even talk to me without caffeine first if you want me to be pleasant.

I need help!

Maybe you can relate.

Maybe you also plan your mornings around a Starbucks run or always have an emergency stash of coffee grounds at your desk, just in case. My fellow addicts, we know this amount of caffeine can’t be good for our health. But we just can’t quit it!

So how bad is my caffeine addiction actually affecting my health? I decided to do some googling after my non-coffee-drinking friends pointed out my reliance on this seemingly innocent drug.

Unsurprisingly, that next level caffeine addiction I have going on could lead to some unpleasant side effects like restlessness, anxiety, insomnia, and the dreaded caffeine crash. Not to mention it’s not doing my blood pressure or heart any favors in the long run.

But it’s not all bad news.

In moderation, caffeine can have some science-backed benefits like improved focus, increased fat burning, and better athletic performance. A cup or two a day can actually be pretty harmless and helpful for many people. Just don’t go overboard like me!

So what’s the move for us caffeine fiends who want to get healthy but don’t want to give up our daily buzz completely?

From what I gathered, staying under 400mg of caffeine per day (the amount in 3–4 cups of coffee) is a good target. Consider mixing in some decaf or half-caff to start lowering your intake slowly.

I guess just be smart about when you drink it — avoid caffeine too late in the day so it doesn’t mess with your sleep. Ultimately finding balance and moderation, not deprivation, seems to be key for reining in a caffeine habit while still reaping some of its perks.

We may not be ready to fully give up the bean, but with some self-control we can have a healthier relationship with caffeine.

To be honest, I’m not sure if I’ll ever be ready to break up completely with my beloved coffee but that doesn’t mean I can’t set up some boundaries.

From one caffeine addict to another — until next time.

Thanks for reading!

If you enjoyed this post, consider subscribing to my newsletter!

Recommended reading: