Caffeine Withdrawal

Till some time back, the withdrawal symptoms of only nicotine, alcohol, drugs and other such intoxicating items was believed to be real and something like caffeine withdrawal or nicotine gum withdrawal symptoms were thought to be mere imagination. However, today, the medical community has started taking caffeine withdrawal pretty seriously. In this fast-paced world, of more work and less sleep, people have started turning to caffeine, to keep sleep at bay and remain awake longer. The result is that they get addicted to caffeine and the moment they stop taking it, in any form, they undergo withdrawal symptoms, similar to those seen in case of nicotine withdrawal.

 

The caffeine withdrawal symptoms usually start occurring within 12 to 24 hours of the last caffeine intake and continue from two to nine days after it. The usual withdrawal symptoms are: 

Caffeine, when consumed in moderate amounts, is fairly harmless and does not lead to any problems in the concerned person. However, it is when the consumption starts becoming excess and takes the form of an addiction that he/ she needs to worry. This is where the withdrawal symptoms come into play. In order to know whether you are a harmless caffeine user or have developed a serious addiction, it is very necessary to stop its consumption altogether. If you notice any of the symptoms listed above, it means that you have become a caffeine addict and need to leave it completely. 

 

The good part of caffeine addiction is that it is not as difficult to quit as nicotine, drugs or alcohol. The withdrawal symptoms noticed in case of caffeine, though quite the same as seen in case of smoking; are less potent and last for a much lesser duration of time. Most of the addicts usually stop experiencing the withdrawal symptoms of caffeine after 3-4 days and even in the extreme cases, the symptoms hardly last beyond 8-9 days. All you need to do is cut off caffeine and stay away from it altogether. Slowly, the withdrawal symptoms will subside and go away.