Caffeine
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Join Date: Aug 2013
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Caffeine
Is anyone else thinking about quitting caffeine? I'm very addicted and need to stop drinking coffee. I made myself kind of sick with coffee today and now that I have space from alcohol and am so recovery focused I can see that this isn't good for me either. I think it may actually be harder for me than quitting alcohol. I'd love it if anyone else wants to jump in and maybe have a support thread.
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Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Mid-Atlantic USA
Posts: 2,441
I'm caffeine dependent. I don't have a desire to quit though. I love coffee, and my morning cup of Java is something I cherish. I don't consider being physically dependent on caffeine to be an "addiction". I won't be arrested for a DUI due to caffeine. I won't lose my job because of caffeine. I won't steal money or rob someone in order to satisfy my caffeine fix. Caffeine doesn't cause me to do crazy and dangerous things I would never normally do. And finally, it's my opinion (and the opinion of many experts) that using caffeine will not harm me physically in any way.
Still, there are days when I do overdue the coffee, and I have tried to keep my consumption reasonable.
Still, there are days when I do overdue the coffee, and I have tried to keep my consumption reasonable.
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Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 480
Originally Posted by Renarde 
Is anyone else thinking about quitting caffeine? I'm very addicted and need to stop drinking coffee. I made myself kind of sick with coffee today and now that I have space from alcohol and am so recovery focused I can see that this isn't good for me either. I think it may actually be harder for me than quitting alcohol. I'd love it if anyone else wants to jump in and maybe have a support thread.
Personally, I want to eventually be free from caffeine as well (just me personally) I feel it is another "addiction" that I feed into, and I do not like that feeling. It is hard though. Another poster recently did a pretty lengthy thread about her "quitting" caffeine, I believe he/she? did a tapering method. I am thinking about starting this tomorrow.
I guess we will see! Just wanted to let ya know I can totally relate!
Good luck
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Originally Posted by FeenixxRising
I don't consider being physically dependent on caffeine to be an "addiction". I won't be arrested for a DUI due to caffeine. I won't lose my job because of caffeine. I won't steal money or rob someone in order to satisfy my caffeine fix. Caffeine doesn't cause me to do crazy and dangerous things I would never normally do. And finally, it's my opinion (and the opinion of many experts) that using caffeine will not harm me physically in any way. Still, there are days when I do overdue the coffee, and I have tried to keep my consumption reasonable.
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Join Date: Aug 2013
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Originally Posted by Weaver
I am kind of in the same boat as you. I have thought about quitting many times, especially now that I have been sober from alcohol (short time) I have a very addictive personality so I tend to overdo a lot of things that are not normally "harmful" Caffeine is one of them. I drink loads of coffee, energy drinks, energy shots...etc. I tend to crash, get jittery while consuming yet I continue to drink caffeine in staggering amounts! Personally, I want to eventually be free from caffeine as well (just me personally) I feel it is another "addiction" that I feed into, and I do not like that feeling. It is hard though. Another poster recently did a pretty lengthy thread about her "quitting" caffeine, I believe he/she? did a tapering method. I am thinking about starting this tomorrow. I guess we will see! Just wanted to let ya know I can totally relate! Good luck
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Join Date: Apr 2013
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Originally Posted by Renarde
I really relate to that. I want to be as free from substances as possible. I feel like my attachment to coffee is keeping me dehydrated as I just drink coffee some days until like 2 pm. Also I don't want an emotional attachment to substance/food based rituals. I'm wondering if I should do cold turkey or taper. I am sick right now so I might as well feel bad when I feel bad already...
Exactly. Also, want to make clear that I am in NO way judging anyone for drinking coffee lol! But for me personally, just my personality I WAY overdue it. So it is something I want to stop entirely. This will be difficult though because as I stated above, I drink lots of coffee, diet soda, red bull, etc....but I know it can be done
I have heard the headaches can be pretty severe, which is why I am thinking of a "tapering" method. I have heard, however, after a few weeks your body does indeed adjust and you feel much much better! Natural energy! Which sounds really awesome. I am also starting to incorporate exercise which I must admit gives me A LOT of (mental) energy, especially when I am finished with a run or walk. Just very refreshing.
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Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 668
Originally Posted by FeenixxRising
I'm caffeine dependent. I don't have a desire to quit though. I love coffee, and my morning cup of Java is something I cherish. I don't consider being physically dependent on caffeine to be an "addiction". I won't be arrested for a DUI due to caffeine. I won't lose my job because of caffeine. I won't steal money or rob someone in order to satisfy my caffeine fix. Caffeine doesn't cause me to do crazy and dangerous things I would never normally do. And finally, it's my opinion (and the opinion of many experts) that using caffeine will not harm me physically in any way. Still, there are days when I do overdue the coffee, and I have tried to keep my consumption reasonable.
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Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Upper Midwest
Posts: 1,730
I am 70 days sober and I frequently use coffee as a crutch to help me grind through my alcohol cravings. I drink 3-5 cups per day. I am sure I would be slightly healthier without the coffee, but I am nowhere near ready to quit. 
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Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Melbourne Australia.
Posts: 3,748
While working on benzos and alcohol ( now life time project) I think I won't be worrying too much about coffee. Only 2 or 3 cups daily as a rule.
Also, I use herbal drinks at times as replacements.
I believe de/caf has been linked with some cancers.....not sure?
Also, I use herbal drinks at times as replacements.
I believe de/caf has been linked with some cancers.....not sure?
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Join Date: May 2012
Location: Wisconsin, USA
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I find that too much caffeine ( even more than a couple cups of coffee ) really aggravates my anxiety now that I'm sober. I guess I must have just been so used to being drunk and hung over that I didn't notice it when I was drinking.
I fill my mug up in the lunch room with 1/2 regular and 1/2 decaf and that's it for me for the day.
I fill my mug up in the lunch room with 1/2 regular and 1/2 decaf and that's it for me for the day.
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Join Date: Apr 2013
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I quit about 2 months ago. You can read about my journey here if you'd like: http://www.soberrecovery.com/forums/...-caffeine.html. (I think it may be the thread Weaver was referring to above.)
The first month I didn't feel quite myself and was quite tired, but the second month I've felt fine. Plus, drinking too much coffee used to make me a bit anxious at times and that is all gone.
I can relate to what has been said here about wanting to be free from all addictions and also with overdoing the caffeine.
Way to go on your decision to quit.
The first month I didn't feel quite myself and was quite tired, but the second month I've felt fine. Plus, drinking too much coffee used to make me a bit anxious at times and that is all gone.
I can relate to what has been said here about wanting to be free from all addictions and also with overdoing the caffeine.
Way to go on your decision to quit.
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Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 5,439
Please, let's support the OP or just not post on this thread
Just a thought- the OP is looking for support in quitting caffeine and seems to have valid reasons for doing so. While I think it's fine for others to have no interest in giving up their beloved beverages, perhaps this isn't the thread to tout the benefits of caffeine or talk about how much one loves their morning coffee?
Caffeine is a problem for the OP. For others it's not. But just think how you would feel starting a thread about needing to quit alcohol if it's a problem for you and having people post about how a glass of wine a day has been shown to have certain benefits or about how there is no way they want to give up their beloved beer?
Caffeine is a problem for the OP. For others it's not. But just think how you would feel starting a thread about needing to quit alcohol if it's a problem for you and having people post about how a glass of wine a day has been shown to have certain benefits or about how there is no way they want to give up their beloved beer?
voices ca**y
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: St. Paul Minnesota
Posts: 4,352
Yes I have cut it out. I have found now that I don't drink I have to be careful with stimulants. I was drinking coffee all day to cut through the depression. I added one cup in the morning but from then on I drink decaf or tea.
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Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Central Massachusetts
Posts: 2,051
I've given up caffeine a number of times over the years...for almost 7 months at one point. Here are the positives of quitting for me:
Sleep better, deeper
Weight loss (coffee actually makes me crave carbs)
More energy (after the first few days of headaches)
Less anxiety/OCD
Why do I go back to it repeatedly? I like the buzz pure and simple.
If you want, I'll go cold turkey with you and other interested parties on this site. I've honestly been thinking of doing this for a while now and could use the support
Sleep better, deeper
Weight loss (coffee actually makes me crave carbs)
More energy (after the first few days of headaches)
Less anxiety/OCD
Why do I go back to it repeatedly? I like the buzz pure and simple.
If you want, I'll go cold turkey with you and other interested parties on this site. I've honestly been thinking of doing this for a while now and could use the support
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Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Midwest, USA
Posts: 1,022
Originally Posted by DG0409
Just a thought- the OP is looking for support in quitting caffeine and seems to have valid reasons for doing so. While I think it's fine for others to have no interest in giving up their beloved beverages, perhaps this isn't the thread to tout the benefits of caffeine or talk about how much one loves their morning coffee?
Caffeine is a problem for the OP. For others it's not. But just think how you would feel starting a thread about needing to quit alcohol if it's a problem for you and having people post about how a glass of wine a day has been shown to have certain benefits or about how there is no way they want to give up their beloved beer?
Caffeine is a problem for the OP. For others it's not. But just think how you would feel starting a thread about needing to quit alcohol if it's a problem for you and having people post about how a glass of wine a day has been shown to have certain benefits or about how there is no way they want to give up their beloved beer?
Forum has mods already, don't need self-appointed mods playing forum cop.
Good day.
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Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: uk
Posts: 382
I used to be a caffeine fiend.
Now I have 1 small cup in the morning and that's it... most days but not everyday, and when i'm having bad insomnia I don't touch the stuff, sometimes for weeks.
Its a drug at the end of the day.
I know some people say they use caffeine to help alcohol cravings, but I use herbal tea (caffeine free) combined with fresh vegetable or fruit juice... plenty of energy and better sleep.
Good luck Renarde and anyone else who is going to quit/reduce intake.
Now I have 1 small cup in the morning and that's it... most days but not everyday, and when i'm having bad insomnia I don't touch the stuff, sometimes for weeks.
Its a drug at the end of the day.
I know some people say they use caffeine to help alcohol cravings, but I use herbal tea (caffeine free) combined with fresh vegetable or fruit juice... plenty of energy and better sleep.
Good luck Renarde and anyone else who is going to quit/reduce intake.
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Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Caribbean
Posts: 31
When I quit over 3 months ago drinking alkohol I also shortly afterwards quit coffee. I have no problem drinking tea instead. I drink green tea and camille tea. Just drinking something warm is nice and good for the stomach. Tea also helps falling a sleep if it is tea without caffeine.
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