Signs Of A Caffeine Addiction

Rather than going by the actual amount of Caffeine consumed per day, Caffeine addiction is discerned by the way that the substance affects an individual’s day-to-day functioning. The severity of the addiction is calculated based on how distressed someone feels when they want Caffeine and can’t get it and how much of a disruption this causes in their daily life.

The fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders does not recognize Caffeine addiction as a SUD, but it does recognize it as a condition for future study. According to the DSM-5, problematic Caffeine consumption is characterized by at least three of the following criteria:

• A persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control Caffeine use

• Continued Caffeine use despite knowledge of having a persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problem that is likely to have been caused or exacerbated by Caffeine

• Withdrawal, as manifested by either of the following:

  • The characteristic withdrawal syndrome for Caffeine

  • Caffeine (or a closely related substance) is taken to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms

• Caffeine is often taken in larger amounts or over a longer period than was intended

• Recurrent Caffeine use resulting in a failure to fulfill major role obligations at work, school, or home

• Continued Caffeine use despite having persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused or exacerbated by the effects of Caffeine

• Tolerance, as defined by either of the following:

  • A need for markedly increased amounts of Caffeine to achieve desired effect

  • Markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of Caffeine

• A great deal of time is spent in activities necessary to obtain Caffeine, use Caffeine, or recover from its effects

• Craving or a strong desire or urge to use Caffeine

Most experts recommend that adults should consume no more than 400 milligrams of Caffeine per day; this is equivalent to roughly four cups of coffee. Drinking more than that amount regularly may put the drinker at risk of negative side effects; these may include sleep disruption, migraines and other headaches, irritability, quickened heartbeat, muscle tremors, nervousness, and nausea. Those side effects can kick in with even fewer cups in some people, as Caffeine tolerance is highly individual. If someone is experiencing these side effects, has trouble controlling consumption, or feels totally out of sorts when unable to get their “fix,” that individual is most likely dependent on Caffeine and should cut back