Have you ever forgotten your morning cup o’joe then felt awful all day? Well, there may be something to that feeling. It’s called a caffeine addiction. But, before you get worried, know that you’re in good company. There are few people who have not depended on caffeine to get through their day. About 90 percent of adults consume it on a daily basis, and research is being done on its health benefits and consequences.
So, what exactly happens when you give up the habit? Caffeine is a stimulant to the central nervous system, and regular use of caffeine does cause mild physical dependence. But, caffeine doesn’t threaten your physical, social or economic health the way addictive drugs do. Phew!
Instead, if you stop taking in caffeine abruptly, you may have symptoms for a day or more, especially if you consume two or more cups of coffee a day. Symptoms of withdrawal from caffeine include:
- headache
- fatigue
- anxiety
- irritability
- depressed mood
- difficulty concentrating
So, next time you forget to grab your morning brew, be prepared for some unpleasant effects.