In this country, people like to consume a lot of coffee. Especially in the office everyday life is not to be imagined without this stimulant. But not only an excessive consumption of coffee leads to addiction, called caffeinism, this effect also have other caffeinated beverages such as energy drinks and teas.
What is caffeinism?
The term caffeinism has two meanings. First, it refers to a caffeine overdose that results in intoxication. Second, in common parlance, it refers to a coffee addiction or abuse of other caffeinated beverages. If caffeinism is present, the sufferer must constantly supply the body with the usual dose of caffeine. In today’s society, addiction to caffeine is still not taken seriously to the same extent as, say, nicotine or alcohol addiction. Despite the downplaying of caffeine addictions, caffeine can be quite deadly in very large amounts. Its lethal limit is about ten grams. This is equivalent to about 200 cups of double espresso.
Causes
Caffeinism occurs because the body is regularly supplied with caffeine in very large quantities in the form of coffee, tea, cola or energy drinks. However, sometimes it happens that the body does not get the usual dose of caffeine. And once the amount of caffeine is insufficient, the first withdrawal symptoms soon appear. These can be very unpleasant for those affected. But with a little patience, the body can get used to the change on its own. The discomfort disappears by itself as soon as the body has become accustomed to the caffeine withdrawal. The second definition of caffeinism is caffeine intoxication. This traces back to the intake of a very large amount of caffeine in a short period of time. Symptoms of poisoning occur at about one gram of caffeine. This amount is reached when ten liters of commercial cola or twelve cans of energy drinks of 250 milliliters each are consumed at one time.
Symptoms, complaints and signs
If a caffeine addiction is present, then the affected person suffers more often once from insomnia, nervousness and hyperactivity, as if the body is constantly under power. The stimulating effect of caffeine may also lead to increased heart activity and high blood pressure. Chronic headaches can also be the result of a caffeine addiction. Withdrawal symptoms, on the other hand, are the opposite of the dependence symptoms. The person reacts to sudden caffeine withdrawal with leaden fatigue, depression, slowed movements and states of exhaustion. Appetite, on the other hand, may increase to the point that a large intake of food is necessary to reduce cravings for the addictive substance. Often, caffeine withdrawal also triggers bizarre and unpleasant dreams. Finally, acute caffeine intoxication usually has serious health consequences. These range from tachycardia to cardiac arrhythmia. Disorders of the central nervous system also occur. Depressive moods, listlessness, concentration disorders and uncontrolled movements are just a few of many complaints.
Diagnosis and course
A coffee or caffeine addiction is usually not diagnosed as long as the body keeps getting the same ration of caffeine. This is because the symptoms of addiction are often not even perceived as such, but are associated with other causes. The first withdrawal symptoms do not set in until about 12 to 24 hours after the last cup of coffee or the last consumption of caffeine. This is the case, for example, when a person has to completely abstain from caffeine as part of a fasting cure or a medical procedure. During a withdrawal process, the discomfort feels very unbearable for the first two to three days. Once the worst phase has been overcome, withdrawal symptoms linger for another four to six days. These then pass completely of their own accord after about seven to nine days. Those who show patience will also be rewarded with a successful withdrawal. Acute caffeine poisoning, on the other hand, occurs quickly, namely when more than one gram of caffeine is consumed or after the amount of caffeine tolerated by the body has been exceeded. Initial symptoms of intoxication may be followed by circulatory collapse in severe caffeine poisoning. Therefore, if caffeine poisoning is suspected, a doctor should always be consulted as soon as possible.
Complications
Various complications can occur with caffeinism, which depend greatly on the amount of coffee consumed. In addition, the physical and psychological condition of the affected person plays as much of a role on the effects of caffeinism. As a rule, the intake of a high dose of caffeine is followed by a psychological disorder. This occurs mainly in the form of restlessness, urination and insomnia. If the intoxication is very severe, caffeinism can also lead to circulatory collapse. The heart rate is increased so that the patient feels increased palpitations. Concentration does not necessarily have to be disturbed in caffeinism; it can also increase. However, above a certain amount of caffeine, it decreases. Intoxication also leads to anxiety symptoms, often diarrhea and headaches, and uncontrolled twitching. If a high amount of caffeine has been consumed over a long period of time, it can also result in muscle paralysis. The lethal dose in caffeinism is ten grams for the human body. During treatment, the body is deprived of any caffeine intake. This usually leads to severe withdrawal symptoms such as fatigue, increased appetite or sleep disturbances, as well as very unpleasant dreams. Caffeinism is rarely treated in withdrawal. In most cases, withdrawal is done by the patient himself.
When should you see a doctor?
Acute caffeine intoxication is usually mild, even without medical treatment. Danger to life exists for a healthy adult only from a dose of about 10 grams of pure caffeine. This amount cannot be absorbed through normal stimulants, including so-called energy drinks. Those who have consumed too much coffee or black tea usually notice symptoms such as irritability, frequent urination, trembling, insomnia and occasionally severe headaches. These symptoms usually subside by themselves after a few hours at the latest, provided that the person concerned stops taking in caffeine. A visit to the doctor is not necessary in these cases. However, caution is advised for children and adults with pre-existing conditions. Anyone suffering from severe cardiovascular disease or who has already had a heart attack should consult a doctor as a precaution if acute caffeine poisoning is suspected. The same applies if the poisoning is due to the abuse of caffeine tablets or other caffeine-containing drugs. Then there is a risk of reaching the lethal dose. In such cases, the emergency physician should be called immediately. Caffeinism, in addition to poisoning with the substance, also refers to a state of caffeine dependence. This is not considered dangerous unless it causes other serious disorders, such as gastritis. However, anyone suffering physically or emotionally from the addiction should seek professional help. The first point of contact is the family doctor.
Treatment and therapy
Quite clearly, acute caffeine intoxication must be treated by a doctor. However, it is different with the withdrawal of a caffeine addiction. This can also be done completely without medical supervision. In this case, a lot of rest and patience is required. A conscious renunciation of any form of caffeine is very important, as a relapse would undo the progress made. All herbal and fruit teas are permitted, but under no circumstances caffeinated teas such as green and black tea. To distract yourself from the craving for caffeine, regular sports sessions or an exciting hobby are suitable, for example. Of course, this stimulant may be enjoyed again in moderation after a successful withdrawal. If you start again with light doses and consume no more than three cups of coffee or 400 mg of caffeine a day, you will not quickly become addicted again. Those who only suffer from a coffee addiction, but not from a caffeine addiction in general, can switch to decaffeinated coffee, for example. This appeals to the reward center in the same way as normal coffee, but without loading the psyche and the body with caffeine.
Outlook and prognosis
Patients of caffeinism have a good chance of recovery if they seek treatment. In caffeinism, a distinction must be made between addiction to caffeine and caffeine overdose. An overdose is usually completely cured within a short period of time. By drinking water or emptying the stomach, the symptoms decrease within a few hours.In most cases, healing occurs after one day if there are no risk factors. The caffeine is removed from the organism and in parallel there is an alleviation of the existing complaints. In the case of caffeine addiction, the path to recovery is much longer. In many cases, the patient needs several months or years for complete freedom from symptoms. Nevertheless, if the patient cooperates and is willing, a cure is possible. Often the patient suffers from other addictions. These may relate to tangible or intangible substances. As with other addictive disorders, there is a risk of relapse in caffeinism. The more stably the patient is integrated in his social life and the lower his general experience of stress, the faster a cure occurs. There is a prospect of cure even in patients who do not seek medical or therapeutic help. The healing path is often delayed in these patients, but quite successful.
Prevention
To prevent caffeinism from developing in the first place, the coffee drinker must adhere to some preventive measures. The danger of addiction comes about when a certain pattern is always repeated. Creating variety is the motto here. If you cover your morning dose of caffeine not only with coffee, but also sometimes with a tasty tea, you can prevent coffee addiction. And the afternoon cup of coffee could be replaced with decaffeinated coffee. In this way, the amount of caffeine consumed daily can be reduced and the risk of addiction avoided. Against fatigue or a midday slump, a walk in the fresh air or a short break for a gossip with a colleague usually helps, too.
Aftercare
Caffeinism is rarely treated professionally. Therefore, former caffeine abusers are usually on their own for aftercare as well. Because caffeine does not have serious physiologic consequences for physically healthy adults, reduced consumption is possible in the long term. However, some caffeine abusers find complete abstinence easier. However, if affected individuals wish to continue drinking caffeinated beverages, they should set themselves a limit, for example two cups of coffee per day. In follow-up care, former caffeinists can set appointments for themselves to review their caffeine consumption. The following questions are helpful:
- How much caffeine do I consume per day/week/month?
- In what form do I consume caffeine?
- How often?
- On what occasions?
- Why do I drink coffee or the like? Out of habit, stress or pleasure?
- What happens if I do not consume caffeine for a few days/weeks?
By regularly repeating the questions, sufferers can observe whether their caffeine consumption changes. The answers should therefore be written down. In this self-test are critical answers that indicate a high and frequent caffeine consumption. Caffeine tablets are more problematic than a cup of mate tea or a few pieces of chocolate. If former caffeinists are consuming caffeine primarily out of habit and stress, or are suffering withdrawal symptoms without caffeine, it is time to reduce caffeine consumption again and, if possible, address the causes.
Here’s what you can do yourself
Caffeinism is not yet taken nearly as seriously in our society as, say, an alcohol addiction or a nicotine addiction. Caffeinism is also far less dangerous. However, sufferers who notice an addiction to coffee or other caffeine-containing products should still take countermeasures. As a first measure, the daily caffeine intake should be determined. It should not be overlooked that the substance is not only contained in coffee beans, but also in tea, many soft drinks and especially in so-called energy drinks. Anyone who notices symptoms of caffeinism, such as insomnia, nervousness and hyperactivity, even though they do not consume any caffeinated beverages at all, should check medications, especially headache tablets and dietary supplements, for the ingredients. Caffeine addiction does not usually require professional therapy. It is sufficient if the person affected reduces his or her caffeine intake when the first symptoms appear. The daily dose should be slowly reduced, otherwise there is a risk of unpleasant withdrawal symptoms.Many coffee drinkers usually lack not only the stimulating substance, but also the habit itself, especially the ritual of preparing coffee and the cup in the hand or on the desk. This group of people is helped by substitute products, which are offered on a cereal basis. Particularly tasty and digestible are malt and spelt coffee. In addition, decaffeinated bean coffee is available, but it is less gentle on the stomach than the grain-based alternatives.
