We investigated whether consuming coffee and other caffeine-containing products can lead to addiction, which some people compare to drug addiction or alcoholism.
The World Health Organization (WHO) considers caffeine to be a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant. In the 11th edition of the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-11) developed by WHO, there is a dedicated section for disorders caused by caffeine use. The American Psychological Association’s standard classification, the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), includes caffeine withdrawal syndrome and acknowledges that disorders related to caffeine use require further study.
In 2020, scientists from the Universities of Jena and Dresden conducted a study that confirmed a direct correlation between the amount of coffee consumed and the craving for caffeine. The experiment involved 24 individuals who regularly consume large amounts of coffee (at least three cups a day) and 32 individuals who consume significantly less often (no more than one cup a day) or never. The researchers divided the participants into two groups and conducted two implicit association tests (IATs) to determine whether they drank coffee out of love for the beverage or out of a need for it.
During the IAT, the participants had to quickly associate certain concepts with their subjective evaluation. The researchers developed two versions of the test for this experiment, one to assess love for coffee and the other for the need for it. The results showed a difference in perception between the two groups. The coffee lovers exhibited an increased craving for caffeine, indicating a need for it rather than a love for coffee. On the other hand, the group that did not consume much coffee showed the opposite results. If they drank coffee, it was because they enjoyed the taste.
What is it about coffee and other caffeinated products (including tea, cocoa, Coca-Cola, and some energy drinks) that not only causes people to crave them, but to feel a strong urge towards them? The main reason, aside from taste, is that caffeine helps us feel more alert. This effect is due to the fact that when it enters the body, caffeine blocks the adenosine neurotransmitter receptors that reduce central nervous system activity and induce the need for sleep.
As early as the 1980s, studies on mice showed that regular caffeine consumption leads the body to increase the number of active adenosine receptors in an attempt to balance its effects. This creates tolerance to caffeine and encourages people to increase their dose to continue experiencing the stimulating effect. If someone who regularly consumes large amounts of caffeinated products suddenly stops, the number of active adenosine receptors in their body will remain higher than normal for a period of time. As a result, they will experience increased fatigue, sleepiness, headaches, reduced concentration, and depressive states.
Withdrawal syndrome from caffeine can last from two to nine days, and the severity of symptoms depends on the amount of caffeine the person is used to consuming. Some scientists suggest that in some cases, people continue to consume caffeinated products only because they fear withdrawal syndrome, which is typical of addiction. However, the withdrawal syndrome can easily be prevented by gradually reducing the amount of the substance consumed rather than quitting coffee and other caffeinated beverages abruptly.
The question of whether drinking large volumes of coffee can be considered an addiction is debatable. However, according to scientific findings, individuals who are fans of caffeinated drinks consume them because of their craving, not because they like the taste, and abrupt cessation causes withdrawal syndrome. In the study discussed earlier, German scientists used tests for love and craving, which are commonly used in research on the effects of various drugs on humans. This method allows researchers to distinguish between the impulse that drives a person to consume certain psychoactive substances repeatedly and the pleasure they derive from them, which by itself does not compel one to increase the dose and frequency of consumption.
Experts distinguish addiction from habit by closely linking the former to negative health and social consequences that stem from the urge to use certain substances without necessarily leading to withdrawal. While caffeine consumption in reasonable doses does not pose a threat to health, it is noteworthy that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers a dose of up to 400 mg of caffeine per day (about 100 mg of caffeine in a 250 ml cup of coffee) safe for healthy adults. This is equivalent to about four cups of coffee. However, German scientists classified people who consumed coffee in such quantities as coffee addicts and observed signs of caffeine craving in them.
It is important to note that caffeine in such quantities does not have a significant negative impact on a person’s long-term behavior. Therefore, comparing coffee addiction to narcotic addiction is a gross exaggeration. For instance, taking a shower in the morning because it gives you a burst of energy and feeling uncomfortable without it is a habit, not an addiction.
That is correct. Although caffeine and drugs like cocaine and amphetamines both stimulate the release of dopamine in the brain, the effects are different. While drugs like cocaine and amphetamines can cause euphoria and intense pleasure, caffeine does not have such effects. Instead, caffeine mainly increases alertness, energy, and concentration, making it more comparable to a performance-enhancing drug rather than a pleasure-inducing drug. As a result, addiction to caffeine is more accurately described as a habit rather than an addiction to pleasure, as the primary motivation for caffeine consumption is often to improve cognitive function and combat fatigue rather than to experience pleasure.
That is correct. While caffeine can lead to addiction and withdrawal symptoms, it does not have the same destructive effects on the body and behavior as drugs or alcohol. It is also important to note that moderate caffeine consumption is generally considered safe for healthy adults, and that the severity of addiction and withdrawal symptoms varies depending on the amount consumed and individual factors.
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