Are you wondering exactly much caffeine is in your cup of coffee. Trying to cut down a bit, or at least know how much caffeine you are ingesting each day with your morning cup of java or afternoon pick-me-up triple espresso Latte?
A typical cup of coffee contains approximately one hundred and twelve milligrams of caffeine. There is a bit less caffeine in a shot of espresso - a typical espresso shot includes about ninety milligrams of caffeine.
How much caffeine in coffee?This is important to keep in mind when making any espresso drinks.
While these numbers are typical, the amount of caffeine in coffee can vary considerably based upon multiple factors. The primary factors affecting caffeine content of coffee and espresso include the genetics of the coffee bean varietal, the particular roasting given to the coffee beans and how the coffee is brewed.
If the coffee beans being used are Arabica coffee beans then one cup of coffee that is approximately one hundred and twenty milliliters of coffee, if it is drip-brewed, will have about 112 milligrams of caffeine.
A 30 milliliter Espresso shot using Arabica coffee will have an estimated ninety milligrams of caffeine.
How Does Roasting Affect Coffee Caffeine Content?
When coffee is roasted it decreases the overall amount of caffeine in the coffee, but not significantly enough for it to be a serious way to reduce your caffeine intake.
Caffeine did not undergo significant degradation with only 5.4% being lost under severe roasting.
Source
Choose your roast based on your personal preferences, not based on caffeine content.
Roasting does have an effect on chlorogenic acid content - possibly what contributes to many of coffee's purported health effects, but another study also shows that caffeine is relatively unaffected by roast level.
On the other hand the Robusta coffee plant varietal has significantly more caffeine than the Arabica varietal. Robusta coffee beans are used primarily for espresso blends and to make instant coffee.
How Caffeine Metabolizes in the Human Body
Once a person consumes caffeine the body starts to metabolize it and this takes place in the person's liver. The result is three different metabolites. These three metabolites include paraxanthine (84%), theobromine (12%) and theophylline (4%).
In the first 45 minutes after consumption of the caffeine it is likely absorbed by the stomach and small intestine and begins to spread throughout the tissues of the human body.
Caffeine's Classification by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Considered safe for human consumption by the FDA, caffeine is classified as a food substance with multiple uses.
All About Caffeine in Coffee - Investigating the Side Effects of Caffeine and the Symptoms of Withdrawal from Caffeine continued:
Caffeine is a stimulant and is known scientifically as a xanthine alkaloid. When it is isolated from its source it is a crystalline white substance and is very bitter.
How does caffeine affect the human body?
Caffeine affects the human body by creating chemical changes in the human brain with a whole variety of effects including an enhanced alertness and energy level.
The way this is enhanced energy and alertness is achieved by the chemical caffeine is that the caffeine pretends, or mimics, another compound which is called adenosine.
The caffeine then binds on to the adenosine receptors in the brain with the effect of halting the true adenosine from doing its job which normally would be to slow down the body's nerve impulses and bring a very sleepy feeling to the person, a natural drowsiness that is warded off by the effects of caffeine.
Yes, some drugs may have an enhanced effectiveness when affected by caffeine. For example, some headache drugs include caffeine in their contents in order to help the effectiveness. This may be related to the vasodilating effects of caffeine.
Caffeine may be used in combination with ergotamine to treat cluster headaches and migraines. Some people prefer to use caffeine to overcome the sleepy qualities they feel when taking antihistamines.
Caffeine doesn't specifically, but coffee does.
However, some people who have shown to be at high risk for liver disease have been shown to have less severe liver injury associated with increasing caffeine consumption. This may include people with obesity, hemochromatosis and alcoholisms. [source]
Because of this, people who drink coffee but want to quit caffeine may want to look into decaf coffee instead of cutting out coffee entirely, so that they can continue to benefit from its health protecting properties.
Yes, some studies completed on ex vivo hair follicles have shown that caffeine may decrease hair growth suppression in vitro due to testosterone. In this regard caffeine may be a potential therapeutic agent in Androgenic alopecia, and caffeine has been added by some companies to their soap and shampoos.
Caffeine is found in nature in a wide array of plants, and it is found in plant fruits as well as plant leaves. This includes: cocoa beans, tea leaves, coffee beans and kola nuts. Less common sources are yaupon holly, guaryusa, yerba mate and guarana berries.
Caffeine often serves to help the plant by working as a natural pesticide against harmful predators on the plant such as insects.
What Products Contain Caffeine, and How Much?
A tablet of Excedrin contains about sixty-five milligrams of caffeine while a regular strength caffeine tablet has about one hundred milligrams of caffeine. There are two hundred milligrams of caffeine in an extra-strength caffeine tablet.
Another example of a common product with plenty of caffeine in it is chocolate. There are about ten milligrams of caffeine in an average milk chocolate bar. Dark chocolate, by comparison, may have about 30 milligrams of caffeine.
There are some dark chocolate bars that have as much as 160 milligrams of caffeine so it can vary considerably by the type and the quality of the chocolate.
Six ounces of a typical green tea will contain about thirty milligrams of caffeine while the very same amount of black tea will have about fifty milligrams of caffeine.
Amount of Caffeine in Coffee continued: You will get about thirty-four milligrams of caffeine from 12 ounces of Coke while a Mountain Dew will give you a whopping 54 milligrams of caffeine. A Red Bull energy drink has about eighty milligrams of caffeine while a Monster energy drink has about 160 milligrams of caffeine.
Withdrawal from Caffeine and Human Tolerance To Caffeine
People who consistently consume caffeine will gradually adapt to the continuous presence of the chemical in their body by increasing their overall number of adenosine receptors in their central nervous system. This occurs since caffeine functions as an antagonist to the receptors in the central nervous system for the neurotransmitter adenosine.
Tolerance adaptation to caffeine has the effect over time of reducing the chemical's stimulatory effects. These adaptive responses to caffeine also have the effect of making the person more sensitive to adenosine, and thus when the intake of caffeine is reduced then the adenosine's natural physiological effects will create withdrawal symptoms.
Of 49 symptom categories identified, the following 10 fulfilled validity criteria: headache, fatigue, decreased energy/activeness, decreased alertness, drowsiness, decreased contentedness, depressed mood, difficulty concentrating, irritability, and foggy/not clearheaded. In addition, flu-like symptoms, nausea/vomiting, and muscle pain/stiffness were judged likely to represent valid symptom categories.
In experimental studies, the incidence of headache was 50% and the incidence of clinically significant distress or functional impairment was 13%. Typically, onset of symptoms occurred 12-24 h after abstinence, with peak intensity at 20-51 h, and for a duration of 2-9 days. In general, the incidence or severity of symptoms increased with increases in daily dose; abstinence from doses as low as 100 mg/day produced symptoms.
Research is reviewed indicating that expectancies are not a prime determinant of caffeine withdrawal and that avoidance of withdrawal symptoms plays a central role in habitual caffeine consumption.
Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15448977
Debate Over Adenosine Receptors, Tolerance and Caffeine Withdrawal Symptoms
There is some debate in scientific circles about the increase in adenosine receptors being the main cause of building up tolerance to caffeine's stimulating effects, with some evidence pointing toward a conclusion that there are also other causes at work which help to explain people developing a tolerance to large doses of caffeine.
The Discoverer of Caffeine
The evidence is a bit fuzzy but some say that the stimulating effects of caffeine are mentioned in Chinese legends dating to about 3,000 years ago.
Firmer evidence comes from 600 BCE as a Mayan pot dating to this time contains the first clear evidence of a cocoa bean, so we know caffeine was around by this time for sure.
Who First Isolated Caffeine from Coffee?
In 1819 the German chemist Friedlieb Runge became the first scientist to successfully isolate the chemical caffeine from coffee beans. Less than one year later the French chemist Pelletier and another scientist named Caventou also isolated the chemical caffeine, and Pelletier was the one to coin the word "cafeine" which he derived from the word "cafe" meaning coffee.
Who Opened the First Coffee House?
As early as 1530 there were coffeehouses in Damascus, Syria and Istanbul.
What began the spread of coffee all around the world?
In the 1600s the Dutch became the first people to carry coffee from the ancient port of Mocha. This movement of coffee by the Dutch began the rapid spread of coffee beans around the globe and it is still spreading, most recently growing rapidly in consumption in China and other emerging markets.
The Dutch were also industrious in cultivating coffee in other locations, first in Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) in 1658.
Caffeine withdrawal
Regular caffeine consumption reduces sensitivity to caffeine. When caffeine intake is reduced, the body becomes oversensitive to adenosine. In response to this oversensitiveness, blood pressure drops dramatically, causing an excess of blood in the head (though not necessarily on the brain), leading to a caffeine withdrawal headache.
This headache, well known among coffee drinkers, usually lasts from one to five days, and can be alleviated with analgesics such as aspirin. It is also alleviated with caffeine intake (in fact several analgesics contain caffeine dosages).
Even small amounts of caffeine (such as a green tea, compared to a full coffee) can do wonders to alleviate a withdrawal-induced headache.
The source of caffeine is important to consider as well. Coffee is generally considered to be healthy, due in part to its anti-oxidant properties. However, energy drinks and unregulated supplements may contain any number of other compounds that can have a negative impact, often working synergistically with caffeine.
Caffeine on its own, particularly coffee, is associated with an overall decrease in all-cause-mortality [4]. Simply put, this means that people who drink coffee are less likely to die from all causes.
Caffeine withdrawal symptoms
Often, people who are reducing caffeine intake report being irritable, unable to work, nervous, restless, and feeling sleepy, as well as having a headache. Many of these symptoms mirror having the cold or flu.
- Headache
- Sleepiness
- Irritability
- Fatigue, lethargy
- Constipation
- Depression
- Muscle stiffness, cramping
- Brain fog, Inability to focus
- Cold-like symptoms
- Anxiety
In extreme cases, nausea and vomiting has also been reported. These are very real experiences [1], and despite recurring jokes, can cause problems with normal functioning. If you experience severe symptoms, seek medical advice.
Is Caffeine Withdrawal Real?
In short: Yes. Negative effects from quitting caffeine have been scientifically documented in clinical studies.
Of 49 symptom categories identified, the following 10 fulfilled validity criteria: headache, fatigue, decreased energy/activeness, decreased alertness, drowsiness, decreased contentedness, depressed mood, difficulty concentrating, irritability, and foggy/not clearheaded. In addition, flu-like symptoms, nausea/vomiting, and muscle pain/stiffness were judged likely to represent valid symptom categories. [1]
Additionally, caffeine withdrawal is recognized by psychiatrists as a real disorder.
Caffeine withdrawal is a recognized disorder and is listed in the DSM-5. (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders)
How Long Does Caffeine Withdrawal Last?
The answer to this will depend on your level of consumption and the level you reduce your caffeine consumption to.
In experimental studies, the incidence of headache was 50% and the incidence of clinically significant distress or functional impairment was 13%. Typically, onset of symptoms occurred 12-24 h after abstinence, with peak intensity at 20-51 h, and for a duration of 2-9 days. [1]
That means you'll probably notice the start within 12-24 hours with the worst being the second day you after you quit. From there, it gradually gets better over the course of a week to a week and a half.
Your brain is miraculously resilient and adapts to life without caffeine in just 2 short weeks. The psychological habit of drinking caffeine can take 3 to 4 weeks to break, but can also be replaced with decaf coffee or another low-caffeine drink (eg. tea).
Reports of people having withdrawal symptoms months or years after quitting coffee or caffeine are more typically confused with general health maladies or other more drugs.
Unrelated Symptoms
Caffeine cessation is often associated with major lifestyle changes, and as such, it can be difficult to associated symptoms directly with caffeine withdrawal. As a best practice, you should isolate factors by making changes slowly, over time, unless under the advice and guidance of a medical professional.
Compounding factors such as other medications, and major health events that lead to discontinuing caffeine, can have a misleading association with caffeine withdrawals.
If symptoms such as kidney pain appears, seek immediate medical attention.
Tingling
There are no known mechanisms through which caffeine withdrawal may cause tingling. On the other hand, caffeine consumption can sometimes cause tingling due to restriction of blood flow to extremities.
Back pain
While back pain is not a symptom of caffeine withdrawal, symptoms may (re)appear when caffeine use is discontinued.
This may be due to caffeine's reported analgesic affect on pain [3] - in english, caffeine might help alleviate (back) pain by amplifying the effect of pain killers. The re-ocurring presence of back pain may be due to synergistic effect being lost, but is unrelated to the temporary effects of withdrawal itself.
Dealing with Caffeine Withdrawal
The severity of caffeine withdrawal symptoms vary with how extreme the restriction, and a gradual reduction can do wonders in avoiding symptoms. Simply starting by replacing one cup of coffee with a decaf coffee or tea will provide a much smaller dose of caffeine, allowing your receptors to re-acclimate to lower levels. Drinking coffee (decaf) or other warm beverage (tea) instead of regular coffee helps psychologically with the well established habit.
Timing large reductions in caffeine consumption is also a useful tool. Picking a time of rest and relaxation such as a weekend or vacation can lessen the burden of symptoms like brain fog and a lack of motivation.
Hydration is also key - while coffee is a diuretic it's also mostly water, and cutting back on coffee may also inadvertently cut back on your fluid intake. Many symptoms of dehydration overlap with caffeine withdrawal including headaches, muscle soreness and leg cramping, irritability and lethargy.
Without caffeine blocking your adenoseine receptors, your body's built up levels of adenosine will lead to a lot of sleepiness. Get lots of rest! Scientists are still puzzled by why humans need sleep, aside from getting tired. According to some research from the NIH (National Institutes of Health) has indicated that sleep enables your brain to drain built-up chemical by products of working so hard (you little genius), which is good for you!
Advil or Tylenol can be an effective method of dealing with the coffee withdrawal headache and muscle pain. Other natural pain relievers such as running / exercise and even an orgasm can provide temporary relief by dilating blood vessels in the brain.
The best solution may not be totally ceasing caffeine consumption though. Coffee does have health benefits, as it contains over 1000 known compounds, with many associated with lowering blood pressure and improving cardiac function, as well as liver protection [2]. Generally, the best coffees are grown at higher elevations will develop more healthy chlorogenic acids that are present in higher concentrations in light roasts than dark roasts. If you're a dark roast lover however, darker roasts cause less stomach acid production. A decaffeinated coffee with just 5-25 mg of caffeine will still retain a lot of its healthy chemicals and will provide health benefits in medium and dark roasts.
With these tips you can reduce the caffeine in your body and avoid the rebound of a caffeine withdrawal.
References
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15448977
[2] Coffee Consumption Decreases Risks for Hepatic Fibrosis and Cirrhosis: A Meta-Analysis
http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0142457
[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22419343
[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28697850
Caffeine and Health. J. E. James, Academic Press, 1991. Progress in Clinical and Biological Research Volume 158. G. A. Spiller, Ed. Alan R. Liss Inc, 1984.
Xie et al "Sleep initiated fluid flux drives metabolite clearance from the adult brain." Science, October 18, 2013. DOI: 10.1126/science.1241224
Cait says
re: Caffeine withdrawal
Hi - I've had no caffeine for almost 6 weeks at this point, I can't believe it because I've been trying to do this for the last several years and each time the withdrawal has been to painful. This time I weaned VERY slowly, but the physical withdrawal was still really bad for the first 10 days, including headaches, extreme tiredness and then the last lingering symptom was non-stop leg aches...Those finally went away at about the 2 week mark. Anyway I feel a lot better in many ways, but I really miss feeling more energetic and yesterday I had a weird bout of anxiety that I haven't had in years...I'm wondering if it really get's any better after this length of time? Also has anyone else upped their chocolate to compensate? I have and don't know if that has enough caffeine to really be keeping caffeine in my system and not getting the full benefit of being off.....Thanks for any help/insight - these boards helped tremendously during the early physical withdrawal....Cait
shae says
re: Thank you!
Thanks Marc! Your words have really made me feel better. It's nice to know I'm not alone in this, although some days it seems as if people don't understand what I'm going through. I'm more determined than ever to kick this addiction, as I know it has negatively affected my health in many ways, especially the awful acid reflux I get any time I drink anything caffeinated. The ups and downs are at an all-time high right now, and it is not easy to handle, for me and for those around me. Thanks again! 🙂 I'll update soon on my progress. I can't wait for these next few weeks to hurry up and be over with!!
Marc says
re: Thanks
John C and ahuman - thanks for your comments. I think I am going to decrease my daily intact by 100 mgs starting in two weeks from now (I have important business meetings coming up, and do not want to take any chances). Give it a month, and then go from there. I suspect I maybe caffeine sensitive, but will only know once I eliminate it all together. Again, thank you for your support (I never thought I'd be so thankful to strangers 😉
Marc
Marc says
re: Totally normal
Hi Shae,
Hang in there, it gets better. What you're going through is normal. Not everyone gets the same withdrawal symptons, but yours sound like mine. It can be a slow and painful process, especially given your history of depression/anxiety. Do not fear though, you'll be a much happier person in time. Many on this board have already pointed out it can be a 60-90 day process. The worst is the first 30 days. The next 30 days become better. And the last 30 days become even better.
Remember, you're doing the right thing and you're certainly not alone in this battle. Take some pride and comfort in knowing that. I know it's easier said than done, but you have to find some level of strength to get through this chapter in your life. Accept your anxiety/depression, but do not let it control your life. Best of luck with you. Keep us posted on your progress.
shae says
re: Severe withdrawal...
Hi guys, I'm new to this site. I'm extremely happy I came across it, during my google search to find out if withdrawal symptoms can start one week AFTER you quit caffeine. To give you a little history, I started drinking coffee every day in 2009. Before I had started, I had just gotten over a severe bought of depression and was starting to feel great! I was eating more fish and vegetables, and I think that really did something great to my brain. Then I became addicted to coffee and I felt even better!! About a year after starting, I realized I felt like shit whenever I didn't drink it. Things just started getting worse from that point on. I was irritable, angry, depressed, socially anxious whenever I didn't drink it. I've tried to stop a handful of times over the past two years but to no avail. Finally I decided to quit 8 days ago because I realized that the same amount of coffee I had been drinking wasn't giving me the same great feelings like before. The caffeine high was only lasting a few hours, sometimes not even an hour, before I'd feel murderous. Coffee had always made me feel great all day long.
Anyway I stopped cold turkey, as slowly weaning myself off of it never worked for me. All of last weekend and all of this week, I've been sleepy but not to the extreme. I haven't had any migraines or headaches. I'd go to work in the morning, not very cranky and I wasn't tired at all until I got home at 5pm. I actually felt productive and talkative. Then I'd take a nap once I got home. I've been able to fall asleep before midnight now as opposed to before, when I could never fall asleep before midnight after drinking coffee. So I was very happy thinking that this time, my withdrawal symptoms would be quite mild and it would be easier to deal with it. Wrong!!! Two days ago, which was Friday, I started feeling really depressed after work. I came home and did nothing. Saturday, I cancelled plans with the guy that I'm dating because I felt so depressed and lethargic, that I could barely get out of bed. Today has been hell. I woke up depressed, crying off and on all day. My mind has been all over the place and my brain feels foggy. I broke things off with the guy because I'm scared that he wouldn't like me, after seeing me like this (we've only been dating a few weeks). He's used to me laughing and being happy (thanks to caffeine). I've always suffered from depression, and I'm sure that caffeine has not helped it one bit. So my question is this: is it possible for withdrawal symptoms to not really kick in until the second week, and if you already suffer from depression, then is this depression that I'm suffering from now a withdrawal symptom or not? I'm scared because I have no urge to drink coffee now that I know what it's done to me, but I also want to be happy again and I just feel so hopeless!! I'm taking vitamins and supplements to better my health, but nothing seems to make me feel good right now. I also have had social anxiety since I've had depression, for about 6+ years, and this withdrawal crap has made that worse too!
Any and all comments/suggestions are appreciated! Thank you guys in advance!! I really need some support right now.
John Campbell says
re: Sarah what to do is stop
Sarah what to do is stop caffeine (and probably alcohol too). After c.60 (maybe 90) days you'll be good.
Dave MM says
re: To Austin
Austin--
Thank you for sharing your story and experiences regarding caffeine withdrawal. I can certainly sympathize with the way you feel. For the first few weeks off of caffeine, I too had high levels of anxiety. For example, I woke up in the middle of the night several times, afraid that the high winds were going to blow over the shed in my backyard. Although I was incredibly paranoid and anxious about the shed, it was fine.... and I finally realized my thoughts were irrational. It took probably a month or so for my social anxiety and general paranoia to pass.
Given your experience of drinking such incredibly high levels of Mountain Dew for so long, I'm thinking that your case could be an extreme one, Austin. You're likely experiencing very strong caffeine and sugar withdrawals. Congratulations on even making it this far, and making the awesome decision to quit caffeine in the first place. The best advice I can give you, or anyone on this site, is to just stick with it and ride out the hard times. I know you feel awful now, and don't feel like yourself.... but I can almost guarantee you it will eventually pass, and you will feel better. In past caffeine withdrawal attempts, I've found L-Tyrosine (a supplement you can buy over the counter at a nutrition store) to help with anxiety. However, just riding this all out and getting through this tough initial 60-90 days is what would truly be best for you.
As for me, I've now been caffeine free for almost 5 months, and this is honestly the best I ever remember feeling in my whole life. I'm focused and not anxious at all, if anything I maybe even have too little anxiety. I'm also strong and confident, and have a nice steady supply of energy all day. Others on this site (Denise in Wisconsin, ahuman, and Kikaida to name a few) have reported similar results after being free from caffeine. Honestly, if you stick with it and work through the tough times, quitting caffeine can be one of the best things you've ever done for yourself. So to answer you, yes... I absolutely believe what I'm saying is the truth.
Please check back and let everyone know how it goes for you. We will be pulling for you to make it through this dark initial phase of withdrawal and beat your caffeine habit. Best of luck to you, Austin.
Dave MM
austin says
re: please tell me this is the truth
i used to drink about 15 to20 mountain dews a day for maybe 5 years or so. IV about every drug besides heroine.I quit all thr hard stuff over this past summer I quit dip about a month ago and i quit caffeine cold turkey about 2 weeks ago not sure exactly. I had severe headaches horrible stomachpain and i came down with a really bad cold which has yet to completely go away. By now i rarely get headaches and all the stomach pain n such has gone away. Bu tmy depression anxiety iritation i feel has gottenw orse. I am a freshmen at college and before i quit caffeine it was amazing and i was enjouing every second of it. (also i swim for a D1 college so i am getting up at 4 am 3 times a week and working out about 6 hours a day). BUt now everything is horrible i dont eant to talk to anyonbe make new friends im constsntlyhaving low opinions of myself and yelling at my gf. This is nt me im a very generous person who only wants to make others happy. How long does this last does it ever go away? I get horrible social anxiety im afraid to ask my professors questions or even my coach
Daniel Owen says
re: RE: Hi Daniel , this site is
My understanding is that the major search engines no longer use keywords in their algorithms. They simply rely on the text of the article. Having said the comments on this article probably bump anxiety somewhat.
tommy says
re: Thanks so much for the
Thanks so much for the positive inspiring post. Congratulations!
Django says
re: I stopped coffee cold turkey, 8/22/12
I have had no headaches or any other pain. My arthritic wrists are much, much better. The last few days I have felt very strange like the beginnings of the flu, but no flu.
John Campbell says
re: Hi Daniel , this site is
Hi Daniel , this site is coming high on Google searches on "caffeine withdrawal",; could you add anxiety as a key word so it also comes high on "caffeine anxiety"?
All the best
John
Sarah says
re: What to do?
So, what should we do? Leave taking coffee? Or what? It seems it'll harm in both ways. Like if I don't take a cup of coffee, I feel dizzy and lack of freshness. It seems that my head isn't working properly. On the other hand, if I continue to do so, then as you said such problems may occur in future! Would you please like to mention the scientific solution?
Thanks,
Sarah
User says
re: Does quiting Coffee and Soda (caffine) require more H20?
Does a person who is coming off caffine (regular intake) from soda and coffee, (and Rockstars) daily need to be concerned about replacing a higher amount of water?
I usually believe I am getting enough water through my intake of sodas (diet Coke and diet Pepsi) and energy drinks (which are not inexpensive).
Any concerns here? I have heard you should be drinking 64 oz of water a day (which seems like ALOT more than I usually drink)
I typically have 1-2 8oz coffees in the morning...10am-12am - 2 12oz diet sodas) and one 16 oz SF Rockstar) and then possibly two more sodas or possibly 3 during the rest of the day.
Total liquid - oz: 16oz + 24 oz + 16oz + 36oz. (Sodas and coffee) but not 100% water
TOTAL: 92oz... plus sometimes I will have a 12 oz bottled water before bed.
Actually more than I thought.
John Campbell says
re: great to hear - thanks very
great to hear - thanks very much for writing.
I'm in a similar condition ref. much lower (almost gone) temptation, even in stress situations. (I am now 7 months clean, apart from 1 lapse 4 months ago).
I definitely am way, way better than when on caffeine:
1. GAD (generalised anxiety disorder) basically gone. finito. no more early hours high heart rate, sweating etc.
2. energy level overall higher and much more even.
3. thoughts and thinking better, more balanced, stronger (less garbled).
4. personal relationships way better; less angry, aggressive.
5. able to move onto other challenges and opportunities in life.
Kelly says
re: Probably more than one month coffee-free
Hey guys, I'm back! 🙂
I haven't been drinking coffee at all for at least two months now, and I'd say I'm not even in withdrawal anymore. I feel totally fine, but nothing different from when I was still drinking coffee, maybe happier though - but that could be due to me starting a youtube channel and getting into the process of becoming a youtuber, keeps me really excited all the time 🙂
But yes, I'm doing great! I don't crave for coffee anymore, either. I used to think of drinking it every day more than a couple of times, but now the only time I'm ever reminded of coffee is when I see a coffee machine, I usually don't even think about it during the day. Coffee machines don't make me want it anymore either.
My message to all of you is - you can do it!
John Campbell says
re: Hi Alk30ace, I would say
-
Hi Alk30ace, I would say
- the anxiety/depression effects seem to go on in variable ways for maybe 30-60 days after coming off caffeine I'm afraid. I'm not sure there are any short cuts. Just have to keep going. Expect to be up/down/all over the place in this period.
- for me the depression bit only stopped when I came off alcohol as well (which I did c.3 months after coming off caffeine).
All the best
User says
re: Alk30ace
Everyone here probably knows what you're going through. If you quit cold turkey and is well beyond the first week, try and tough it out. You should stay away from anything negative. Stop watching the news. Know that you're going through something that will end and stop looking stuff up online, especially negative stories about how they overcame something awful, that's just going to put unnecessary stuff in your head.
If you have a lot of time in your hands, it's time to fill those slots in. Before you go to bed, write down all the things you intend to do the next day. Come up with mini projects that you can tackle easily or with someone. The more, the better. I personally found running in the morning to be really helpful. The more intense the cardio, the better I felt afterwards. My anxiety has definitely improved since it's been almost 40 days now since I had anything with caffeine in it, but I still continue to run every morning. Recognizing it as a symptom definitely gives you more fire power to deal with anxiety.
And last but not the least, don't suffer in silence. And definitely do something about your diet. If it's caffeine-rich, that's a big no-no. Surround yourself with loved ones. I, myself, was in constant conversation with my parents, bestfriend and my older sister. They gave me nothing but love and no amount of anxiety can ever beat that.
Denise says
re: I Never Thought of This!
Hello. Your post about hallucinations and the inability to hit the deepest fourth stage of sleep is so enlightening. Any long-term readers of this forum might recall that the cycle you describe is exactly what derailed several of my early attempts to give up caffeine. I would be exhausted and enter the early stages of sleep, only to hit that "nightmare/hallucination" stage. After snapping out of it with a racing heart, dread, and feeling even more tired, the whole cycle would start again. Brutal.
I wonder if this is the same mechanism (with a slight variation) that caused other posters like Dave MM to fall asleep only to wake up several times during the night unable to go back to sleep? There is a definite link between caffeine and sleep, one that goes much deeper in the brain/psyche than people are willing to acknowledge. And by people I mean doctors, scientists, and industries that push caffeinated substances on us and call them harmless, or even worse, beneficial. Also, your suggestion of a sleep clinic is great.
I hope that everyone reading this forum will find the inner strength to never go back to caffeine. Truly, it is the best health decision you will ever make.
Gruodis says
re: There is a light at the end of the tunnel
Hello guys. I haven't been updating about my status for a while. It's around 80 days when I stopped my caffeine (energy drinks) and went through headaches with anxiety and insomnia periods. I felt so bad and thought that it will never end. Most of you guys probably know what I feel.
So this is how do I feel now after almost three monts:
-- sleep as a baby. Never thought it will happen.
-- headaches almost stopped. Just sometomes appear and disappear without drugs.
-- no anxiety, depression any more though I am going through a rough period being fired at work and looking for a new job. My health anxyety is gone.
-- i still have tinnitus (ringing in the ear) and I am not sure if it is caffeine withdrawal related. Probably not. Very annoying but it's not impossible to live with.
-- my spiritual life is getting back. My feelings are alive, not dictated by the caffeine. Now I not only pray but can listen for answers and the feelings in my heart. Haven't felt this good for ages. This is the best reward!
-- no cravings, no doubts. I drink a lot of water, take vitamin B supplements, eat a lot of sweets, exercize every or second day. I am calm. Do not shout at my children any more 🙂
I know, caffeine withdrawal sucks. But there's a light somewhere in the close future waiting for all of you who stopped drugging yourselves.
Alk30ace says
re: Caffeine Withdrawal?!? Really?!?!
3 weeks ago, I reduced my caffeine intake to nothing. Within 5 days, I had begun to have a general feeling of hopelessness and feel physically ill. One week later, I had a horrible panic attack. Went to the ER, they gave me adavan which calmed me down. Throughout the following week, my anxiety levels were through the roof. To make matters worse, the adavan had given me a phlebitis (inflammation of the vein making it hard and sore) and my health anxiety was debilitating (I went to the ER 2 more times and an urgent care and my doctor about the phlebitis) this week, more depression and my health anxiety starts right in worrying me about what's wrong with me and if I'm going crazy. I started thinking about what changed when this all started and stopping drinking coffee is the only thing that changed. To test it, i drank coffee yesterday AM and feelt good all day. Today, a little less coffee, but felt good almost all day. I've read a lot of the testimonials on here and I cannot express how thankful I am that a lot of you come back when you are better and tell others it will be okay. Most of the time you do to see that on forums, leaving the scared to only see the stories of the negatively effected and no resolution, so thank all of you for that. I guess I would ask, this depression, was it something that lasted all day or would it hit you out of no where and then go away shortly after. Also, everyone is different, but did anyone find anything that helped alleviate the anxiety and depression? Thanks again.
User says
re: Forrest Cheetah
Try visiting a sleep clinic, that should help you tons, if not more. Depending on the history of your caffeine consumption, there's a chance that you might have developed a mild sleeping disorder, which is pretty normal for us adults anyway, but is magnified greatly by caffeine consumption.
These nightmares that you spoke of could very well be a mild form of hallucination, where it takes place when you enter an early stage of sleep. Just because it happens when you sleep, doesn't automatically mean you were dreaming/having a nightmare. A sleep clinic can definitely help you figure out what's going on.
I've been a caffeine user since I was a kid and have recently quit as well. I used to go through these sensations where I would jerk myself awake and not be able to move a single muscle. I couldn't scream/yell and I would smply freak out. It turns out, I was constantly not hitting the 4th stage of sleep, which is the most important phase of sleep.
I've heard of people go through the same sensation, where they would all of a sudden wake up, not be ale to move a muscle, not be able to scream, then the hallucination would commence, which would last from 30 seconds to a minute. It is downright frightening and could potentially lead to immobalization.
Remember that rule about not ingesting caffeine 4 hours before bedtime? That's a myth. Just because your caffeine consumption takes place during daytime, does not mean your sleep cycle/schedule/quality is far from being disturbed. Even if you "flash" it out of your system via drinking lots of water before bedtime.
Denise says
re: Hello ForestCheetah
I had planned to post this coming Sunday (September 16) which is my 6-month anniversary free from caffeine. But ForestCheetah, your post broke my heart and prompted me to write today. In all honesty, you are the only poster here who has mentioned the most horrible part of my own withdrawal, which were vivid, terrifying nightmares. Night after night for the first few weeks after quitting cold turkey, I dreaded going to sleep, even though sleep was what I needed the most. My nightmares were relentless and were the kind of torture where you know you are dreaming and try to rouse yourself in the midst of the dream. I sometimes woke myself out of it by hearing someone scream out (me). 🙁
All I can tell you is that IT WILL GET BETTER. We chose the dark path of substance abuse and we have to choose the also-dark path of fighting our way out of that lifestyle. No one can do it for you. The first few months are difficult and full of new, icky surprises - exhaustion, brain fog, body aches and pains, ringing in the ears, depression, lethargy, etc.
But now, six months later, I can tell you that I feel wonderful. I work out on a regular schedule, eat healthfully and my sleep is perfect now. There IS light at the end of the tunnel and you can do it! I know that cold turkey is not an easy choice, but it was the right one for me. Looking back from the six-month point, I wonder how I could ever have desired coffee at all.
Good luck to you, ForestCheetah. Stay strong.
ForestCheetah says
re: My story
I stopped drinking coffee a few days ago (maybe 3 or 4). I did it mainly because I am taking milk out of my diet and I only drink coffee with milk. Milk makes me feel bus sick usually and hurts my lower abdomen.
I was happy because I didn't get the caffiene headache that I normally do when I quit coffee even for a day. Instead I got much worse...
I noticed that I was sleepy 24/7 and couldn't even keep my eyes open while sitting up for 5 mins away from bed. I didn't know this was coffee withdrawal so it was really scary. Day after day I napped and napped. I lost my appetite. I felt like I was going to puke, all day all night.
I started crying because I didn't know what was wrong with me. I had no idea it was caffiene related because I never had it this bad before.
I felt depression like I never felt depression before. I felt like my life was worthless and my anxiety was out the roof. I couldn't focus on anything. I felt like I was under water or something.
I decided to go out for a bike ride in the morning sun. I thought maybe I felt this way because I had been napping everyday and needed some sunshine. Wrong. I almost fell asleep on my bike about 15 times! I was literally closing my eyes while speeding down hills...I was scared I'd fall asleep. I wanted to get home. I got anxiety and felt like everything was unreal and this made me want to fall asleep even more.
I got home and collasped in bed gasping. I felt like I was going to die.
It's now day 4 or 3...(I'm not sure because my brain is still muddled) and I only just found out it's caffiene withdrawal.
I feel this feeling of dread...or no hope. I keep sleeping and having vivd nightmares of people I know dying horrific deaths. I keep crying and crying...and sleeping, the crying, and then feeling like I might throw up from nausia.
My sinuses feel like they might explode too. It's the worse feeling on the planet. I am not sure but I might try a black coffee (medium not large) this morning, because I don't know if I can stand quitting cold turkey like this!
I quit smoking 4 years ago and it wasn't as bad as this! When you quit smoking at least you start to feel the benefits of quitting and can keep yourself awake somewhat. With quitting coffee I am almost falling asleep on my bike, and napping like I am 90 years old and dying.
John Campbell says
re: Good news - go for it!
Good news - go for it!
John Campbell says
re: Hi Marc I'd say go all the
Hi Marc I'd say go all the way - to zero caffeine. Then you have good prospects of feeling great after withdrawal. All the best
ahuman says
re: agreed
the anxiety and ocd was the only unbearable part for me too. especially since i had never had it before. it was kind of scary but it goes away in time. the less stressful your life is at the time the faster it seemed to go away. it took months for me. now i am calmer than ever. i agree with you drugs wont help, you just have to tough it out.
Kim says
re: Day 5 is now Day 10!!!
10 days in on soda cut back. Thanks to you who responded. It is very encouraging to read and get advice from others. I truly am greatful! I've been working on 2 sodas a day still but cutting down to only one being caffeinated.
It seems silly to think of soda every time I reach for a drink, but to get the strength to tell myself no and to go with something else. Bt truth be told, caffein has been a big issue for several years in my life and I keep reminding myself that any cut back is an accomplishment!
For those of you who have gotten pass this problem, good for you! Keep going, I know that I will soon get there as well.
Will keep posting my progress from time to time, it is very nice of you who share thoughts as well.
Thank you all for setting a wonderful example.
Until next time!!!! Keep up the good work!
Marc says
re: Many Thanks
First off, thank you all for sharing your stories. You have no idea how helpful they have been. That 9 day withdrawal crap is just that, crap (or at least in my case).
Here's the 'Readers Digest' version of my story, and perhaps there are others who are/have been going through the same. About 2 months ago, I cut back on my coffee from approximately 800 mg/day to 300-400 mg/day, after years of daily consumption. Fortunately for me, I have strong will power so I have been able to stick to this plan. I do not wish to entirely eliminate coffee, just drastically reduce it. Perhaps I will reconsider this position in another month or so.
The results were about 2 weeks of the normal physical withdrawal symptons (along with anxiety). Since the 2 week period, my anxiety has lingered. On a plus side, the anxiety has slowly decreased. BTW, I have never had anxiety and I am 40 years old. I have been disapointed with the results so far. I can live with the physical side effects, but the anxiety is far worse. I will not go on any meds for it though, but can see why many people do. It's a horrible condition.
Again, thank you all. And for those who have/are going through what I am, I would love to hear your experience. Afterall, sometimes misery does love company 🙂
Marc
John says
re: Hello Jayson and everyone,
I
Hello Jayson and everyone,
I just wanted to comment on your posts and also tell you my story. I have been consuming coffee for about 6 years now on a daily basis, not thinking that it did any harm. In the past couple of months I have noticed changes in myself. Not really interested in anything, couldn't keep my attention on things that I love most. I felt as if my life was slipping away in a sense. I also work out a good bit and thought maybe it had to do with low test. So I came up with the idea that maybe I should try d-aspartic acid, a test booster, also an excitotoxin (which I didn't know). So on a daily basis I would consume high dose of caffeine, followed up with powdered creatine, and a protein supplement. That would be followed up with poor diet and not enough water. On July 24th I ingested one dose of d-aspartic acid, two pills in the morning and two in the afternoon. I did not feel any effects until about 10pm that night. My mind was out of control, could not control my thoughts and hit the worst case of anxiety I have ever felt. With that said, the following day I quit everything cold turkey. No more caffeine, creatine, protein, and especially DAA. This is when the real nightmare began. I felt as if I did complete brain damage from one serving of DAA. This is when I researched and found out about how it is an excitotoxin etc etc. So I was completely convinced it was the DAA. Don't get me wrong, the DAA made me feel terrible, however, I just put all other supplements to the side especially caffeine and said that they couldn't do this to me. So at this point I was sold on the fact I did brain damage from DAA. I went to doctors numerous times, they said that it didn't do brain damage. So then I went to a neurologist, he to said that it didn't do brain damage. Finally ended up at a psychologist, he also said no brain damage. This is the point to where I was like what it wrong with me!! I started digging and noticed the symptoms of caffeine withdrawal and the severity. It took me over a month to even realize what was making me feel like this. Terrible anxiety and panic, self worthlessness, depression, absolutely no motivation, aggravated quickly, feelings of if I can't change the way I'm feeling I cant live like this, foggy, dizzy, hard to put a plan together. And if I did start to feel a little bit of joy, anxiety would come and rip it right from me.
Today is day 48 free of caffeine and all other supplements. This has been probably the worst part of my life to date. I have gotten better over the past 48 days. I have completely changed my diet. I am able to think with a little more clarity. The ringing in my ears has subsided substantially. I am dreaming again and sleep is quality. I noticed that I get tired now, which didn't really happen before, so that is new. I still have my bouts of anxiety and depression, but not nearly as severe. My motivation is nowhere near what it was while on caffeine. I m just hoping that I will find complete peace and happiness at the end of this nightmare.
Thank you all for your posts, it truly has been a great help on understanding what is wrong with me and helping me cope with these symptoms.
Gruodis says
re: Either
Hello, from my opinion cutting too fast is equal to cold turkey, so there's not much difference. If you drink 6 cans of soda every day, it's wise to reduce it to 5 cans and live with it for a month. No stress, no pain, just sip from your cans longer and you will not notice any difference. This way it would take up to 6 months to stop caffeine completely.
But I am strong only when I make decisions. I had to quit it very fast and I did it in 2 weeks. When I stopped drinking my 3 redbulls / day, I allowed myself to have one small bottle or a can of cola every day for two weeks. It barely worked as a mild painkiller for my headache. And I stil had to suffer from various symptoms for about two months. I knew what I was doing and I am happy with the final outcome.
User says
re: Coffee addiction causes adrenal fatigue
Hi,
Just wanted to let you know, coffee addiction causes adrenal fatigue, a coffee stimulates the adrenals to make more cortisol, and the more you force them the more tired they get - see drlam.org for the best info on this. I got adrenal fatigue proved through a 24 hours saliva test, through drinking too much coffee as well as stressing myself in other ways, overworking, emotional, etc. I would find a doctor who believes in adrenal fatigue, cause many don't and get some treatment for it!
Mari
Jayson says
re: Just an update
I've been caffeine free for a little bit over a month now and can definitely feel the improvements in my mental health. My thoughts aren't rambling as much and my anxiety has decreased big time. Although I still feel anxious from time to time, it's not as overwhelming as it was during the 1st & 2nd week. I've never really had any problems with my energy levels as I've always been a very active person to begin with. My sleeping habits and schedule has improved a great deal and am now sleeping much better and much more deeply. There are those times when I feel somewhat low and lethargic and, for some reason, start to crave a cup of coffee, but they quickly go away as I go about my day.
A big thank you to Ahuman and John Campbell for supplyng me with words of wisdom, letting me know that I'm not the only one that has experienced/experiencing such awful withdrawal symptoms.
I have also started working out again; lifting weights and running every morning. I must say, I have no idea why I decided I needed caffeine as a workout supplement when I'm just as strong without it, if not stronger.
John C says
re: As it was soda (even low
As it was soda (even low sugar), rather than coffee, you may be having withdrawal from both caffeine and sugar/sweetener: a double whammy!
If you fail this time, then you could experiment with tapering down. just keep experimenting.
But I would say better to keep going from where you are now, and even go to zero now, and accept you'll feel very rough for a couple of weeks. You've come so far already!
Ross says
re: Soda Drinking
Hey there,
Just replying to the soda problem. I usually drink on average 8-9 a day. I am on day 2, with drinking only 1 pepsi with supper on day 1. I just started gettingover a 3 1/2 headache with no relief. This is not fun, but hopefully it will be worth it.
Until next time, stay tough
Kim says
re: Day 5 HELP
Hello all, I've been an avid caffein drinker for the last ten years. Drinking anywhere from 6-12 sodas a day. Absolutely crazy I think! I'd find myself waking up each day with a coca-cola at my bedside and a new one in my hand 24/7. I'd wake up in the middle of the night with cravings and sometimes slam a soda in less than a minute. Scary ridiculous, right! Serious addiction. My teeth and body have suffered tremendously throughout this crazy addiction.
So I'm only on day 5, but gave reduced myself 2 a day. Was feeling pretty good the first 4 days, but today has been terrible. I have no energy, I don't want to even pick up my hands or feet to move, they feel like 50lb weights are attached. I'm so tired, I can't keep my eyes open, I have the sweats, when I fall asleep and wake up again, there's no refreshness, still the same.
After reading the comments from others, somewhat reassuring that some of this is common and normal, but certainly doesn't make me feel any better knowing this is just part of the beginning. I'm a little scared, but don't want to turn to the alternative, drinking 12 sodas.
Now I'm questioning whither cutting back intake huge is the best route or if trying to stop cold turkey. I don't think I could do it. Anyway, I'm trying to speak positively and being happy with myself for the accomplish I've made even for just a few days, but it just feels like its all coming out a little negative. Probably more of the process. Anyways thanks for the words from people who have worked through some of this.
Anyone else have such a problem with soda???
John C says
re: hey Margo be aware decaff
hey Margo be aware decaff coffee DOES have caffeine in it
Rob says
re: 30 Days In
An update from my last post (“10 Days Inâ€). It doesn't seem like it's possible, but it's already 20 days later, so I'm 30 days clean from caffeine. A whole month. Put simply, I feel really good ! All of the major physical symptoms of withdrawal have gone – no more headaches, muscle aches, depression etc. I still don't feel like I'm 100% either physically or mentally, but having quit before, I have learned that there are really big improvements in the first month or two, followed by a long, lingering tail of getting better over an extended period.
The major changes I've noticed so far are :
So, overall things are going well and looking really positive. Breaking the addiction seems to become a “virtuous circleâ€; the better I feel, the more I want to do things to help me feel even better. I've started running again, nice and easy but regularly. I'm really feeling good about the future – will report back again in another month or so !
Margo says
re: This just reinforces why I gave up caffeine,
I gave up coffee/tea approximately 3 months ago. I has all the normal withdrawal symptoms but feel great now. I will occasionally have a cup of decaf coffee as I still enjoy the taste of coffee. Anyway I was out to dinner the other night and ordered a cup of decaf after dinner. I didn't realize it until later that night that they gave me regular coffee instead. When I tell you I felt horrible, believe it. I could not sleep, my heart was going a mile a minute. There is nothing worse than wanting to sleep and not being able to. When I did eventually fall asleep, I kept waking up. Needless to say when I did get up in the morning, I felt like I was hit by a truck. My head hurt, I was tired and had no energy at all. Just in case I was thinking of ever going back, after how bad I felt there is no way ever.
Margo says
re: I agree with this. . .
I agree. If you want to sleep, then sleep. Just go with it for awhile if you can. I remember sleeping alot the first couple of weeks of no caffeine.
Jayson says
re: Thank you. I appreciate your
Thank you. I appreciate your response. I'm currently reading Caffeine Blues: Wake Up to the Hidden Dangers of America's #1 Drug by Stephen Cherniske. I must say that it's empowering me and helping me hold my anxiety at bay. If you know of any additional books that you can recommend to me, or anyone reading this, I would be truly grateful..
Jayson says
re: Thank you for your reply. I
Thank you for your reply. I didn't know about PAWS until now. I probably won't try the test you mentioned, due to the fact that I'm now simply freaked out about how dangerous caffeine can be. I went to see my physician just recently and attempted to tell her about how much caffeine I was ingesting. She wasn't inerested at all and prescribed me an anti-anxiety medication (Buspirone). She reassured me that there are no nasty side effects and a possible dependence on the drug is highly unlikely.
Now that I found this thread, I'll keep coming back here and share any updates. I recently began feeling a little bit better. Although I'm still not "happy." I can function normally, go to school, do the house chores etc., but I still find myself depressed with a bag full of regrets.. And social interaction is full of effort.
Anti Depression says
re: Do not Worry!
Hello Chuck. You need not to worry so much. There are adicted to drugs and were able to rid off that. There can be a lil depression initially but not for a long time. First of all stop writin and listening depression quotes and think positive. Second if you want freedom from energy drink then do not try to leave this immediately. Just reduce the quantity whenever you are in the habit of taking. Keep it upto the level that you can work and sleep well. And reduce the quantity every time whenever you feel comfirtable with the prresent quantity. That will help you not to go in depression. Then after try to take the drink on alternate days. I remember one of the depression quotes - A lot of people do not realize that depression is an illness. I do not wish it on anyone, but if they would know how it feels, I swear they would think twice before they just shrug.When you would take the steps like that then once the time will come whenyou would feel total freedom from the energy drink. So do not get depressed in any situation. There are solutions for every problem in this world.
ahuman says
re: Withdrwal sucks
You are having normal withdrawal symptoms. You have been taking a drug, become tolerant of that drug, and now you cut off the supply of that drug. You can either push through the symptoms or start taking the drug again. Tapering can also help in some cases if you want to quit the drug.
http://www.caffeinedependence.org/caffeine_dependence.html
ahuman says
re: Just do what your body wants.
If your body needs sleep it will make you tired, you have to pay the toll for all the wear and tear on your body. It will recover but you will have to sleep more and take it easy until your body heals. The problem is that people have unhealthy and unreasonable ideas about what is enough sleep.
7-9 hours normal person.
8-12 hours recovering person
You got yourself into the sleep debt now you have to pay.
ahuman says
re: Time
All the suppliments and other crap arent going to help. It just takes time. You need to realize its temporary and just stop fighting the feelings, the more you obcess the worse it will seem. If you feel crappy just accept and go with it, it will pass. Look up PAWS and you will get a more detailed explanation of what is happening to you.
ahuman says
re: Withdrawl
I had the same withdrawl symptoms. They will pass but it may take a long time. The effects of PAWS can last from 3 months to 2 years. I have been off caffine for almost 1 year now and i just started feeling awesome in the last couple months. The first few months were mental anguish and anxiety like i had never felt. It was like being chased by a bear 24 hours a day. The other problem you talk about with the phobias is normal too. The depression and anxiety have a tendency to feed on themselves and get worse if you let them, but they are all just effects of your brain levels being all messed up. It will pass just don't let it get the best of you.
It might make you feel better to do a little test... Take some caffine and see how your mood changes afterward, in my case i could almost see an immediate mood/anxiety change. I know it seems counter intuative that a stimulant would calm you down, but that is the way withdrawl works.
John Campbell says
re: Jayson
given the very high
Jayson
given the very high level of caffeine you were taking in, I don't think it's surprising that you are experiencing very high withdrawal symptoms.
You have already come through the heavy withdrawal phase - the next phase is more subtle but still very dangerous.
I would encourage you with everything I have to stick with it.
I think it's likely you'll begin to feel improvement by day 30.
I am very confident you will be feeling good by day 60-70.
All the best
John Campbell says
re: hi avidwriter - all the best
hi avidwriter - all the best as you try to go through the 2-3 week barrier (I failed a few times at 10-12 days before getting out).
herbal teas are good but make sure they are caffeine-free.
coffee shops are a major threat; one tactic is exposure therapy; go into one and sit there and drink a herbal tea; i.e. begin to break the link between caffeine and all the other nice aspects of a=coffee shops.
There are some great resources here if you read back...
all the best
John Campbell says
re: bobby i'd suggest you look at
bobby i'd suggest you look at exercise (e.g. do at least 6000 steps a day, counting using a pedomoter) and diet (cut out or down on sugar, try other allergies). all the best