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Psychological Effects of Caffeine

Caffeine, a bitter organic alkaloid with a pH of more than 7, has many psychological effects. These stem from the fact that caffeine mimics so any other drugs and hormones in the body.

  1. Where Does Caffeine Come From?

    • Caffeine is found naturally in coffee beans, cocoa beans, and tea. It is also added to colas, energy drinks, and medications.

    Caffeine Mimics Drugs

    • Caffeine is an alkaloid much like morphine and codeine. Caffeine affects the brain in the same way cocaine and heroin do. It takes the place of adenosine, a base-sugar compound that is a component of RNA and is primarily a neurotransmitter in the brain.

    Caffeine and Sleep Don't Get Along

    • Like adenosine in the brain, which binds to its receptors to induce sleep for the body, caffeine also binds to the adenosine receptors. However, when caffeine gets in the way, the body does not get sleep. By drinking caffeinated beverages constantly, the adenosine receptors are continually bound to the caffeine, and the body is deprived of much-needed rest.

    Do I Feel Good or Do I Feel Jittery?

    • Caffeine increases dopamine levels. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter in the brain that acts as an intermediate in the biosynthesis of adrenaline. Adrenaline is the hormone inside you that makes you want to either fight someone who's made you angry or to flee from that person, who might be dangerous. Drinking large amounts of coffee will produce a bit of euphoria, but because it speeds up the heart rate, but overdosing on coffee can bring on symptoms that mimic an anxiety attack.

    Withdrawal & Symptoms

    • It is hard to quit drinking coffee because the withdrawal effects will set in 21 hours after drinking one cup. Multiple cups of coffee perpetuate the need for more coffee. Too much caffeine and without time to recover from its effects places the body in an adrenaline overload. Coming off the adrenaline high only leads to a hormone crash, like coming off a roller coaster.

      Withdrawal symptoms from caffeine, as well as from coming off the adrenaline high, can include drowsiness, headache, work apathy, sluggishness, nervousness, runny nose, yawning, mental depression, and vomiting.

    How to Quit Caffeine and How to Live With Caffeine

    • A gradual break from caffeine is best. Giving up caffeine cold-turkey is more likely to bring on severe withdrawal symptoms.

      Be careful to watch how much caffeine is put into your body. Even though caffeine has some benefits, it should still be used in moderation. Always give your body time to rest.

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