Introduction
Caffeine addiction refers to the extreme or harmful consumption of caffeine over a particular duration and which will result in adverse impacts on one’s health. It will further affect social interactions and other aspects of a person’s life. Caffeine usually operates as a stimulant to the central nervous system and thus generates similar ‘happy’ impacts in the brain as incentives like attentiveness and a sense of comfort. It has further been observed that some individuals are more sensitive to the effects of caffeine. As such, their brains tend to become more dependent on caffeine than other people. The reliance on caffeine can be due to various factors and may further be influenced by genetics. An exploration of the indicators of caffeine withdrawal will be conducted to demonstrate the risk of getting addicted to its consumption.
One of the signs of caffeine addiction is headaches. Individuals have used caffeine for long to treat migraines and general pain since it can reduce the flow of blood and especially in the brain. It has, however, been reported that the consumption of too much caffeine triggers headaches (Bhatia et al., 99). Also, when one quits or reduces caffeine after consuming it regularly, it can result in intense headaches that seem like a migraine among some individuals. Caffeine is a fat and water like soluble particle that crosses the blood-brain obstacle where it compresses or even contracts the blood vessels. As such, the dramatic increase in blood flow can lead to painful and pounding headaches like a migraine. Moreover, headaches caused by the withdrawal of caffeine can vary in severity and extent (Mack et al., 194).
Fatigue is another symptom of caffeine addiction. It has been observed that numerous people usually consume caffeine in the morning to enhance the level of awareness. Caffeine averts tiredness and augments alertness by obstructing the adenosine receptors in the brain. Adenosine is a neurotransmitter that slows the central nervous system when the body is preparing to sleep. Nevertheless, when an individual abruptly discontinues or minimizes the intake of caffeine, it can have the reverse impact and make the person feel exhausted during the day. However, the sentiment of overtiredness can be evaded by sleeping adequately during the day (Mack et al., 195).
Another indication that one is addicted to caffeine is when they experience mood changes. Consumption of caffeine in low doses can enhance a person’s mood and minimize the feelings of anxiety. Yet, consuming modest to elevated doses of caffeine can generate feelings of apprehension Mack et al., 195). The changes in mood happen due to the impact that caffeine has on several neurotransmitters which include norepinephrine, glutamate, and dopamine. Dopamine usually triggers pleasure centers in the brain and partakes a function in controlling behaviors and sentiments. A study conducted depicted that caffeine does not fuel dopamine manufacture directly. Instead, it augments the number of existing dopamine receptors in the brain, and this may further boost its overall impact on the brain (Jain et al., 74). On the other hand, glutamate endorses communication among the nerve cells and contributes to learning and memory. Also, norepinephrine is usually generated by the brain when an individual senses danger or even stress. It then increases the breathing and heart rate as well as blood glucose levels. When one quits caffeine abruptly, it can lead to a striking alteration in the chemicals present in the brain that may lead to the development of feelings of depression, anxiety, and irritability (Bhatia et al., 99).
Caffeine usually interacts with specific chemicals in the brain and can thus affect memory and concentration. A study conducted suggested that regular intake of caffeine may reduce the danger of dementia or cognitive impairment in women who are sixty-five years and above. A person may experience difficulty concentrating after quitting caffeine immediately. It has further been observed that when caffeine is absent, adenosine molecules can support the feelings of exhaustion that may have an impact on the potential of a person to focus. Furthermore, consumption of caffeine has been observed to stimulate contractions in the intestines and colon. The contractions assist in moving food and desecrate matter through the gastrointestinal tract. Regular consumption of caffeine may result in mild constipation after its intake has been minimized (Jain et al., 74).
The reproductive system is also at risk when one is addicted to caffeine. Caffeine usually travels within the bloodstream and crosses into the placenta. Because it is a stimulant, it can lead to a rise in the baby’s metabolism and heart rate. Besides, too much caffeine can result to slow growth of the fetus and increase the risk of a miscarriage. During pregnancy, only a little caffeine is considered safe (Bhatia et al., 99). Another system under the threat of caffeine addiction is respiratory and circulatory. Caffeine is usually immersed from the stomach and reaches the maximum levels in the bloodstream after one or two hours. Its presence in the body can lead to an increase in blood pressure for a short duration. The impact may be attributed to either an increase in adrenaline or temporary obstruction on the hormones that naturally widen a person’s arteries (Mack et al., 193). Among various individuals, there is no continuing impact on blood pressure. However, when one has irregular heart rhythms, caffeine may result in the heart to work harder. It has further been reported that an overdose of caffeine may lead to irregular or rapid heartbeat and breathing problems. The overdose has, in exceptional cases, caused death due to seizures or uneven heartbeat (Jain et al., 74).
Conclusion
Caffeine addiction has been observed to be risky due to the withdrawal symptoms when one finally decides to stop its consumption. It has been noted to lead to headaches that may seem like migraines. It further causes fatigue since it is mostly consumed to improve the level of awareness of an individual. A person’s mood is usually controlled by caffeine when they become addicted, and its withdrawal will have a substantial effect. One may also end up feeling anxious and depressed when they quit caffeine. Another aspect observed as a result of withdrawing from caffeine addiction is memory and concentration. The reproductive system may further be affected by caffeine addiction by slowing down the growth of the fetus and increase the risk of a miscarriage.
