Withdrawal Symptoms after Double Blind Cessation of Caffeine Consumption

Withdrawal Symptoms after Double Blind Cessation of Caffeine Consumption

Caffeine is consumed in vast quantities by most households all over the world in the form of various beverages. Substances that contain caffeine include beverages such as tea and coffee. With constant use, people get addicted to the extent that caffeine products are a must-have every day. Stopping the usage of caffeine products come about with adverse side effects. Unconscious withdrawal of caffeine intake cause headaches. This article looks at the impacts of the blind removal of caffeine with a keen focus on resultant symptoms.

Technical terms

Psychoactive substances- substances which affect the nervous system.

Palpitation- dilation of the eyelids

Insomnia- Sleeplessness

Caffeine interacts extensively with the central nervous system, eventually leading to addiction. With continued use, the need to use more for consistent effect appears and any attempts to stop leads to adverse conditions affectiong the body. A potential indicator to caffeine addiction is the need to eat drink coffee every morning.

The principal objective of this study is to gain an understanding of the effects one would have if they stopped caffeine consumption after they have been addicted to it.

 

The data for this study was collected through the use of questionnaires which were distributed to subjects of the survey.  The variable of the study was their performance and moods two hours after consuming caffeine; when they fail to use caffeine for two days, and when they were administered with caffeine in the form of capsules. The study was conducted by observing 62 adults of normal body characteristics at the age of between 22 to 38 years. The women were those who had had their menstruation in the past 19 days. Both male and females were selected for the study. They weighed between 56 to 74 kg and had had a daily dosage of caffeine between 109 to 390

 

Ceasing to consume caffeine after a long time exposure affected all individuals in the group who consume caffeine.

Effects were observed by watching the percentage of people who drink caffeine and the  effects of withdrawal from intake.

A headache was observed among caffeine users as follows; placebo period 52 %, baseline period 2% and caffeine 6%.

Noticeably, the percentage of people with feelings of discomfort was higher in the placebo period than baseline and caffeine.

The sensations experienced upon withdrawal include a flu-like feeling, severe headaches, gloom, anxiety, sadness and fatigue.

In conclusion, caffeine though locally consumed, can be considered one of the drugs that are continually abused. Caffeine leads to addiction after prolonged usage. This addiction is majorly pegged on its effects on the brain, which results in withdrawal symptoms. A headache is always the first sign of withdrawal but later, other signs such as depression and fatigue sets in. The intensity of withdrawal symptoms are dependent upon one’s daily caffeine intake and choice of route of administration to the body. Consumption of caffeine in the form of tablets is more addictive, adversely affecting a large number of people in the general population, causing frequent withdrawal symptoms.