Why is caffeine addictive

Why, exactly, is caffeine addictive? The reason stems from the way the drug affects the human brain, producing the alert feeling that caffeine drinkers crave. Normally, the adenosine produced over time locks into these receptors and produces a feeling of tiredness. Image via Wikimedia Commons.

When caffeine molecules are blocking those receptors, they prevent this from occurring, thereby generating a sense of alertness and energy for a few hours. Braun, the author or Buzzed: the Science and Lore of Caffeine and Alcohol , but a stimulant enabler: a substance that lets our natural stimulants run wild. In people who take advantage of this process on a daily basis i.

It is true that—like many drugs—caffeine enhances dopamine signaling in the brain. Dopamine is a chemical that helps control movement, motivation, and emotions, so enhanced dopamine signaling makes a person feel more awake and alert. While caffeine produces a small rise in dopamine, it does not cause the large surge that unbalances the reward circuits in the brain and is necessary for an addiction.

So the difference between caffeine dependence and addiction to drugs like meth is that even a person who loves to drink coffee can do without it, deal with the headaches and irritability that result, and not engage in destructive or self-destructive behavior. Too much caffeine—like too much anything—can still be harmful. Learn more: Take our quiz on coffee and energy drinks.

Arguably, addictions may vary in strength. That said, most share clinically meaningful symptoms, including:. These symptoms are often used by clinicians to diagnose an addiction, and a recent review reports that a good proportion of caffeine users develop them However, despite this, many experts are wary of officially labeling caffeine as an addictive substance.

Several reasons are cited in support of this view First, addictive substances such as amphetamines, cocaine and nicotine are thought to stimulate the area of the brain linked to reward, motivation and addiction to a higher extent than caffeine does 9. In addition, for most people, regular caffeine consumption poses little harm to themselves and society, which is less often the case with illegal drug use. This tends to discourage people from consuming more, rendering caffeine intake self-limiting 9.

When it comes to caffeine withdrawal, symptoms do not last as long and tend to be much milder than those linked to stronger addictions. They also generally do not require professional intervention or medication Currently, the American Psychiatric Association APA recognizes caffeine withdrawal as a clinical condition, but has yet to classify caffeine addiction as a substance abuse disorder.

However, the APA agrees that the topic warrants further study and even proposes potential diagnostic criteria to be used for research 1. Caffeine users can develop dependence, but symptoms are generally considered milder than those linked to stronger substances. Unlike most other addictive substances, coffee and caffeine consumption can have certain health benefits. Unlike most other addictive substances, coffee and caffeine provide some health benefits.

For this reason, various authorities recommend you limit your intake to mg of caffeine per day. In addition, certain individuals should completely avoid caffeine or limit their intake to smaller amounts. For instance, caffeine may worsen anxiety and insomnia and can cause jitteriness, anxiety and heart palpitations in some people 11 , Too much caffeine may also cause headaches and migraines.

Individuals who metabolize caffeine slowly may also have an increased risk of heart attacks from drinking coffee 30 , These drugs can increase its effects Caffeine consumption can also slightly raise blood pressure levels, although this effect may go away if you consume caffeine on a regular basis 32 , 33 , Finally, pregnant women are advised to limit their daily intake to no more than mg of caffeine per day, the equivalent of 2—3 cups of coffee Pregnant women and those who metabolize caffeine slowly may want to limit coffee and other caffeine-rich foods.

Individuals suffering from certain medical conditions may also want to limit their intake. Find out about the health risks of caffeine anhydrous, the powdered caffeine in supplements and energy drinks, and those of caffeine in general. Caffeine can have impressive health benefits, but high doses can also lead to unpleasant side effects.

Here are 9 side effects of too much caffeine. It's thought that caffeine's stimulating effects become less noticeable over time because your body becomes tolerant or less responsive to its effects. Coffee, as many researchers put it, can be like a drug — meaning your energy levels and moods might depend on your morning cup, and without it your…. Concerned about meth withdrawal? In the last 18 months telemedicine has been used for much more than simple check-ins with the primary care physician, it's now being used to help with….

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