Caffeinism: A Cause of Mental Illness?
| By Jacob Inman | Category: Inspiration and Wellness
Photo by pfv
I’ve finally made the decision to quit drinking coffee – sort of. My goal is not to stay away from coffee for the rest of my life, but instead to end my current state of dependence on the widely-used, legal drug that comes with every sip – caffeine. Today with the first step. I sat outside on the patio next to my twin wall fountains, and enjoyed a big mug of herbal tea. No caffeine! Once I succeed in breaking the addiction, I may consider enjoying the occasional Starbucks treat, but when that time comes, I will drink because I choose to, not out of necessity.
You might be thinking, “This guy acts like he is addicted to crack, its coffee for goodness sake!” In a sense, you’re right, it could be much worse. It’s not so much the fact of what it is that my mind and body have a dependence on, it’s the fact that the dependence which exists is detrimental to my health and sense of well-being. Caffeine has a bigger impact on our health that most of us would ever imagine.
I’ve studied some of the recent research related to the negative impacts that caffeine is known to have on our health. It’s rather astounding to take a glimpse into the theory of “caffeinism”, a term that many researchers are using to describe the myriad of health problem that have been linked to our overuse of this drug. Here is an interesting excerpt from the book authored by Nutritional Biochemist Stephen Cherniske titled “Caffeine Blues: Wake Up to the Dangers of America’s #1 Drug”:
If a person were injected with 500 milligrams of caffeine [less than the dosage recently discovered in some 16-ounce Starbucks brews], within about an hour he or she would exhibit symptoms of severe mental illness, among them hallucinations, paranoia, panic, mania, memory improvement issues, and depression. But the same amount of caffeine administered over the course of a day only produces the milder forms of insanity for which we take tranquilizers and antidepressants.
Wow!
So what effect does caffeine actually have on human physiology? Is there really a physical basis for caffeine addiction and my need to race to the coffee maker once the alarm clock goes off?
Caffeine has the ability to cross the blood brain barrier, similar to other drugs such as alcohol and nicotine. Because of its similar molecular structure in comparison to adenosine (a nucleotide which plays an important role in certain biochemical processes), caffeine acts as an adenosine antagonist by latching on to adenosine receptors in the brain. Caffeine does not have the power to stimulate these receptors, but its presence prevents adenosine from latching on and performing its’ usual functions. As a result, dopamine levels in the brain are increased, thereby creating the stimulating “coffee buzz” that we all know and love.
Caffeine also triggers a release of epinephrine (adrenaline), the chemical that is mainly responsible for our internal “stress response”. Adrenaline increases our blood pressure and heart rate in order to prepare ourselves for a perceived threat. Of course, in this case there is no real or perceived threat, the reaction is due solely to the fact the we chose to ingest caffeine.
Let’s take a look at some interesting connections that certain studies have made between caffeine consumption and various health problems.
Caffeine and Anxiety
Consider the physiologically stimulating effects that were highlighted above, in particular, the adrenaline response. Adrenaline plays a very important role in our instinctive process, but its continual release fueled by the growing amount of caffeinated drinks we consume is not healthy. Caffeine consumption, even in moderate amounts, is strongly correlated with the incidence of anxiety disorders including generalized anxiety disorder, panic attacks, bipolar disorder, and even schizophrenia.
Calvin Thrash, M.D. and author of the book, “Food Allergies Made Simple”, says:
“Thousands are in mental institutions today because of no greater matter than that of the use of caffeine. Psychiatrists are now publishing articles indicating that there are numerous cases of depression and anxiety in mental institutions who need no other treatment than to be taken off caffeine. It would seem that with such a simple remedy available, many thousands of people could be returned to their full usefulness promptly. However, the use of caffeine is so traditional and firmly entrenched that it is almost impossible to remove caffeinated drinks from the diet of patients in the mental institutions. Soft drink machines, coffee dispensers, and the traditional coffee break are common pastimes in mental institutions, and with those who are mentally ill at home.”
It’s been determined that most people prone to anxiety will limit their caffeine consumption, but there are many people who don’t make the connection between their constant state of anxiety and the high levels of caffeine that they consume. Often, long-time users (me included) who are dependent on the drug fail to recognize what a negative impact caffeine has on our lives.
Caffeine, Sleep and Fatigue
I think we all know better than to guzzle a cup of java just before going to bed for the night. I was, however, surprised to find out that caffeine that we ingest in the early morning hours can impact the quality of sleep that we get the following night. This is particularly true of regular morning-coffee drinkers because, by the time they go to bed, symptoms of caffeine withdrawal (discussed below) begin to appear.
Because the half-life of caffeine averages between 4-6 hours, afternoon consumption of caffeinated beverages should be avoided as well. I know of many people who feel the need for a post-lunch boost, usually around 3 p.m., and feel that the only way to stay awake and re-energize is by drinking a cup of coffee or a caffeine-laced soft drink. While this may provide the boost they’re after, it will undoubtedly be followed by an energy crash because of caffeine’s impact on blood sugar levels. In addition, the afternoon buzz that was experienced will linger on into the late evening creating the potential for insomnia or disrupted sleep.
Remember that release of adrenaline that follows caffeine ingestion? The important point here is that this is a drug-induced adrenaline response that is repetitive based on the amount and frequency of one’s caffeine consumption. Because of this constant flow of adrenaline, it is likely that many will experience Adrenal Fatigue, an affliction that is caused by the body’s inability to respond to stress via the production of cortisol. The symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue include irritability, mood swings, anxiety, lethargy, fatigue, and cravings for sugars and caffeine – go figure.
How Do You Know If You Are Caffeine Dependent?
Here are some questions to ask yourself. The more “yes” answers you have, the more likely you are to be dependent on caffeine (and the more you should consider reducing or eliminating your consumption).
- Are you abnormally groggy in the morning until you drink that first cup of coffee?
- Do you wait impatiently for the coffee maker to finish brewing a pot of coffee?
- Do you feel jittery, fatigued, moody, or anxious throughout the day?
- Do you require an afternoon “boost” consisting of a cup of coffee or a soft drink?
- Do you have trouble getting to sleep?
- Do you drink more than 2-3 cups of caffeinated beverages per day?
Kick the Caffeine Habit
So you’ve decided that you ingest too much caffeine and you want to cut back or eliminate further use. Should you just quit cold turkey? Should you gradually decrease your intake over time? Similar to any dependence, it is likely that you will experience some withdrawal symptoms, especially if you are a long-time frequent user. The most common withdrawal symptoms include headache, nausea, fatigue, and mild depression. Some people find that these symptoms are minor, while others experience them much more intensely and for longer periods of time. On average, these symptoms should be expected to last about 5-8 days and can be minimized by gradually decreasing your caffeine intake over a period of 2-3 weeks.
As of yesterday, my plan was to gradually reduce the amount of coffee that I drink per day over the next two weeks and then, quit drinking it all together for several months. Now that I am at the end of this article, and with all of the related health concerns fresh in my mind…I think I might opt for quitting cold turkey. Stay away from me for the next 5-8 days!!
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[...] Caffeinism: A Cause of Mental Illness? [...]
In fact you shouldnt ‘go cold turkey’ you should phase it out gradualy. So if you have 3 coffee’s a day then you should have 2 and a half by mixing in decaf or just have less. Overwise you will experience ‘caffeiene withdrawal syndrome’ which is a recognised mental illness.
I am not aware of this fact about caffein and I’m glad to have known this. I drink 3 cups of coffee everyday but in 3-in-1 coffee mix. I hope I’m not going too far. Having a sip of coffee in the morning starts my day.
wow, I even have caffeinated soap..
One of my American friend “Rose” is caffeine dependent. She drink around 3 or 4 coffee and 2 or 3 tea in a day. She feel anxious if she didn’t get coffee in the morning.
I used to use crystal meth, but I have replaced it with caffeine over the years. Both coffee and caffeine pills. so hearing this is good. thank you for sharing.
I have been off caffeine for more than a year now and i went cold turkey. On the last day I decided to stop drinking coffee, I decided to overdose on it, so that I will feel sick of it for a while. I drank 3 XL coffees double double in one day. This was during my exam study time and it was funny cause I was stressing so much about it, I ended up going to sleep with all that caffeine. But the next day i felt pretty sick of all that cream and sugar, that I avoided coffee for a while by choice ( I would just drive by a Tim Hortons and not have cravings).
I started to get active by going to a gym and from then on, I havent drank a cup of coffee since. I took a sip randomly one day and it tasted disgusting haha.
Thanks for this article, i learned a lot. i didn know the biochemical process of how caffeine worked and wondered how it worked.
This was during my exam study time and it was funny cause I was stressing so much about it, I ended up going to sleep with all that caffeine. But the next day i felt pretty sick of all that cream and sugar, that I avoided coffee for a while by choice ( I would just drive by a Tim Hortons and not have cravings).
On the last day I decided to stop drinking coffee, I decided to overdose on it, so that I will feel sick of it for a while. I drank 3 XL coffees double double in one day. This was during my exam study time and it was funny cause I was stressing so much about it, I ended up going to sleep with all that caffeine. But the next day i felt pretty sick of all that cream and sugar, that I avoided coffee for a while by choice ( I would just drive by a Tim Hortons and not have cravings).
I was never really a big coffee drinker but I did drink a lot of energy drinks and Mountain Dew. So I know how you feel with you caffeine addiction. A few months ago I decided I wanted to kick my addiction as well. My biggest thing was to avoid the vending machines at work. I slowly ended up phasing it out and replacing it with something a little more healthy. I still do have the occasional Mountain Dew or energy drink but nothing like I used to drink.
I have a fast heart rate, and my maternal grandfather has had 2 heart attacks (although he survived them). Would an addiction to caffeine add significantly to my risk of heart disease?
If you told a mental person that they are mental, and they understood that they are mental, would they act the same or different? Is there a difference between mental people that would be able to understand it, or mental people that can’t?
My wife has mental issues and at least yearly go nuts. It lasts untill she gets medication. We don’t have insurance and its getting hard finding help. Most doctors pass on the idea that caffine causes her episodes. She gets really wacko for long periods of time. Is there any places that conduct studies where she could be examined? If so please contact me.
There are many people out there who have something against people with mental illness, & I am wondering why is that I think its a lack of knowledge and people see people with mental illness as one and not by individual qualities & uniqueness.
There are many people out there who have something against people with mental illness, & I am wondering why is that I think its a lack of knowledge and people see people with mental illness as one and not by individual qualities & uniqueness.
You know i have alwyas wanted to know that answers, but never gotten it sorry! I hope it isnt bipolar i dont want to be doing that! Propbably already have haha cant remember what i do when im manic so hey. Thanks
I used to use crystal meth, but I have replaced it with caffeine over the years. Both coffee and caffeine pills. so hearing this is good. thank you for sharing.
Hi,
I am new to this site. I find it very informative.
Especially this article pertaining to the use of caffeine. I didn’t know of the such impact it has on your mental status and I am truly usually know or am about to read anything and everything to helpp myself and others through knowledge about multiple things and struggle, and mostly things and meds recalled and such matters as even over the counter meds to avid but coffe I have to honestly say from as much research i have done starting about 4 years ago i have never heard of this.
I really just wanted to thank all of u and whomever posted this. It made me thinkk a lot I am a coffee drinker myself but when i was healthier i didn’t even take a sip about 3 years ago.
anyways again thank u.
I am not trying to sound judgemental please be kind and take into consideration that i have not ever been here nor posted before.
but as i was reading some responses i dont know if i took it the wrong way because most of the time due to my sensitivity issues it is me and not the other person or article and what have u that made me think twice like was that person or article being sincere or were they mocking “MENTAL illnesses”
yes as u can tell i do have many illnesses as far as mental but i have been stable meaning on medicine and stable with them and such. anyways i did like one response in particullar that someone stated that people are just “simply” uneducated about it.
ok now i want people to be educated and i a m willing to put the time and effort into doing so, without feeling bad, so if any of u are truly interested at being educated or i should say learning about mental issues such as for instance Bipolar and many others. or if by any chance u know a friend or aquaintance that u might be able to help with it please feel free to join my group.
we dedicate ourselves the MODS and ADMIN. i have ot supporting educating helping people with their daily struggles and we also wan tto help the loved ones family members what have u when going through the daily struggles that come with these illnesses
so please there are a lot of options features to do there and also information, resources and etc………… to choose from and learn from and get support from there. The group is called
http://www.bipolar4lifesupport.com
ok
lol jan
Is that working?
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I always follow your blog because it is full of compelling information about various things. I like to read this post because I met so many new facts about it actually. It’s really great that I noticed this post. Thank you very much again for sharing this informative article. Many thanks,
Wow. Is this really true?
I drink about 5 cups of coffee a day these days. I used to only drink 1-2. Thank your for sharing this..I really need to consider reducing my caffeine intake. I even think I am noticing some of the side effects that you listed.
I don’t believe any off this about coffee drinking, I stopped drinking coffee for 3 years and my health was not any better. The only difference was that I was sleepy all the time. So now I enjoy my mug of coffee every day and it’s great. By the way my grandmother drinks expresso coffee’s every day and she is going to turn 103 years old this year… so no coffee drinking isn”t bad for us and in fact could be good for our health.
Yes, coffee contains caffeine. It is difficult to stay away from coffee because of its taste and flavor. We can reduce it to lot extent but cannot give up completely. This is my view.
That is really a good thing that you decided for but let me tell you that some things in life does not do that problems to you than you think about them. Excess of every thing is always bad.
I have been off caffeine for more than a year now and i went cold turkey. I don`t need anything, I excersise a lot and I feel great.
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It’s really great stuff overall, I just wanted to say thank you. I am looking forward to another great article from your side.
While caffeine can affect your life, the decisions around using the substance are what causes the mental illness. I consider caffeine as our vein attempt at curing our situation.
FUCK COFFEE, I TAKE PILLS!
400mg per serving! take this, huh!
I do believe that caffeine causes some physiological symptoms. However, I need more information regarding this before I actually believe that there is a connection between caffeine and mental conditions.
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We’ll spill some from our cups tonight and think of you all. Hope you’re in good health soon, I’ll give what I can and try to pry some dollars out of whoever will listen.
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I do believe that caffeine causes some physiological symptoms. However, I need more information regarding this before I actually believe that there is a connection between caffeine and mental conditions.yamearku j4f burewadvi
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@Mark (Lewandowski) – that phenomene is called pregancy. It’s ok.
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