Coffee, tea, and other caffeinated beverages are a ritualized part of daily life. We grab coffee with friends, brew it first thing in the morning, and sip on it during meetings. Caffeine is a stimulant that can often help us cope with the lack of other powerful substances during early recovery. While caffeine can be a comforting and benign ritual, it can also be an addictive crutch. How much caffeine is too much and can it hinder the recovery process?
How Much is Too Much?
Some adverse side effects of caffeine include anxiety, heart palpitations, dependency, withdrawal, mood swings, hormonal imbalance, fatigue, and dehydration. Generally, some caffeine in moderation is considered an acceptable part of the recovery process. There’s nothing wrong with a morning cup of coffee. However, if you’re finding that you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms or that your dependency on caffeine is interfering with your recovery or quality of life, it’s time to think about cutting back. Take inventory of how caffeine is impacting you and how much you’re consuming each day.
Tips for Cutting Back on Coffee
When you quit coffee cold turkey, you may experience withdrawal symptoms such as headaches, mood swings, withdrawal, and cravings. Cut back slowly, reducing your amount of coffee or tea a little bit each day. Take note of how you’re feeling. Try replacing your caffeinated coffee or tea with decaf or herbal tea. Other options included Dandelion Blend, which tastes like coffee but is made from dandelion root. Alternatively, if you find that your caffeine habit is based on the comfort of a routine, find another morning or afternoon ritual to replace it. Sip on some herbal tea, lemon water, or eat fruits and veggies and read a book.
Tree House Recovery of Portland, Oregon uses cutting-edge techniques in individualized programs to help men achieve freedom from addiction. Taking a holistic, sustainable approach to the inner and outer effects of addiction ensures you or your loved one will emerge with the confidence and skills to manage your addiction independently. No one is beyond help- our Admissions Counselors are available 24/7 at (503) 850-2474
