Lots of us joke and call ourselves caffeine addicts, but is it really true?
Well, the answer to the question depends greatly upon the source. Understandably purveyors of coffee, tea, and cola prefer not to have their customers viewed in that light. Organized medicine says caffeine taken in moderation offers no great harm, which is probably more true than not. The most damaging remarks are made by the holistic health field, who may be looking at the problem closer than we would like. For this feature I'll try to stay within current scientific findings, a safety zone where most of us can agree, although it is not the final word.

Caffeine is the most popular and widely consumed drug in the world. It is classified as a drug because it stimulates the central nervous system. Caffeine is found in the leaves, seeds or fruits of more than 63 species of plants worldwide. The caffeine that we consume as beverages comes from coffee beans, cocoa beans, cola nuts, and tea leaves. What many people do not know is that caffeine is used in prescriptive medication and over the counter preparations, such as headache remedies, "pain killers," cold medicines, diet aids, and diuretics. Of course, caffeine is the major, if not sole ingredient of "stay awake" pills.

This chart only gives you a general idea of the types of products which contain caffeine.

While the average user doesn't mug anyone to get money for caffeine, there are a great many people who if they stopped consuming caffeine abruptly, would find themselves in a pretty sorry state. Depending upon their daily consumption, they could suffer headaches, nausea, lethargy, anxiety, and irritability. Some heavy users going "cold turkey" experience tremors, delirium, tachycardia, or convulsions, so this is not the course to take! Actually caffeine has the capacity to kill. Although it would take the equivalent of 5,000 mg or 40 strong cups of coffee in a very short time to put you down, 25 caffeine pills could easily send you to the after world.

Yes, caffeine in large doses can be dangerous, but is ADDICTION the right term for heavy caffeine consumption? There is some controversy, but caffeine addiction is being considered more seriously. Both the Canadian and United States governments advise pregnant women to restrict caffeine use, right along with alcohol and nicotine. One wouldn't be surprised if sometime in the future that all three of these substances are viewed as detrimental to optimal health.
Perhaps, a few cups of coffee each day doesn't make you a candidate for a stay in a drug rehab. But individuals have to judge their situation for themselves as some people are far more sensitive to certain substances than others. It is felt by some that upwards to 30% of the population is consuming 350 milligrams daily, a level they consider substance abuse. If you experience deep cravings when you wake up or a change in mood when you can't get your "fix," you are facing a form of physical dependence. If your caffeine situation involves prescribed or self-prescribed medication, consult a health practitioner who understands and treats caffeine addiction.

What can you do if you honestly want to reduce your intake of caffeine? Most of the medical experts advise that you simply cut down on your caffeine, a little each day for at least a week. The holistic recommendation is that you begin replacing some your caffeine drinks with spring water, herb tea or fresh fruit juice until you are caffeine free and thoroughly relaxed.