Can there be any of my reader who has never had caffeine? I doubt it, as it is not limited to coffee drinks alone. It’s everywhere, beautifully packaged, in varying quantities, from certain soft drinks, to tea, some over the counter pain relievers, to bitter Kola, not sparing chocolate and it products. Yes, that chocolate in your hand contains caffeine beat that!
Caffeine addiction like most other addictions starts gradually often relating to an initial genuine use. With time, tolerance develops and higher quantities are required to give desired results. One thing is however common to most caffeine addictions-it begins with a desire to stay awake or active. It then leaves the victim to wonder, how did I get here? The subject gets gradually and later excessively dependent on it to meet need-basically to remain active.
In essence, nobody sets out on a mission to caffeine addiction; it begins with increasing workloads, demands in personal life, school or at work. It comes handy in coping with pressures.
How do I know when I am getting addicted to caffeine? Watch out for the following signs which I must say are not limited to caffeine addiction though. They are however, only strong pointers: restlessness, disturbed sleep, rapid heart rate, and feeling of heart pounding, shakiness and stomach upset.
Getting rid of Caffeine addiction can be as simple as A-B-C and can as well be as demanding as learning A-B-C. It requires first and foremost, a sincere determination to end the scourge.
First, you are advised to start by cutting down on caffeine intake. Attempts to suddenly stop may be health-challenging if not absolutely impossible. Ever heard about caffeine withdrawal symptoms? They can be devastating.
In addition, you must watch out for other common sources of caffeine and avoid them. This is necessary so that you don’t dump a caffeine source for another out of ignorance. You may have to read the contents of every packaged product before you take them. This becomes more important when you notice a sudden love for a particular product.
You may also dilute your coffee with say water or milk. This in a way helps you cut down on your body concentration in a gradual fashion.
Try out on caffeine-free beverages; they are going to serve as ready replacements to your addictive caffeinated beverages. They still meet your needs in certain ways.
Exercise often, especially when you feel your energy level is going low. Take a walk for about 5-10 minutes.
Very importantly, seek medical intervention promptly. You don’t have to wait till the situation becomes unbearable. A stitch in time they say saves nine.
Hamid Adediran is Medical Doctor+Broadcaster=Medicaster, follow @hamid_doctalk on twitter
