.jpeg)
Coffee and tea are incredibly healthy beverages.
Most types contain caffeine, a substance that may boost your mood,
metabolism and mental and physical performance. Studies have also shown that
it’s safe for most people when consumed in low-to-moderate amounts.
However, high doses of caffeine may have unpleasant and even
dangerous side effects.
Research has shown that your genes have a major influence on
your tolerance to it. Some can consume much more caffeine than others without
experiencing negative effects (5Trusted Source, 6Trusted Source).
What’s more, individuals who aren’t used to caffeine may
experience symptoms after consuming what is typically considered a moderate
dose (4Trusted
Source, 7Trusted Source).
Despite all of caffeine’s health benefits, there’s no denying
that it may become habit-forming.
A detailed review suggests that although caffeine triggers
certain brain chemicals similarly to the way cocaine and amphetamines do, it
does not cause classic addiction the way these drugs do (30Trusted Source).
However, it may lead to psychological or physical dependency,
especially at high dosages.
In one study, 16 people who typically consumed high, moderate or
no caffeine took part in a word test after going without caffeine overnight.
Only high caffeine users showed a bias for caffeine-related words and had
strong caffeine cravings (31Trusted Source).
Additionally, the frequency of caffeine intake seems to play a
role in dependency.
In another study, 213 caffeine users completed questionnaires
after going 16 hours without consuming it. Daily users had greater increases in
headaches, fatigue and other withdrawal symptoms than non-daily users (32Trusted Source).
Even though the compound does not seem to cause true addiction,
if you regularly drink a lot of coffee or other caffeinated beverages, there’s
a very good chance you may become dependent on its effects.
Summary: Going without
caffeine for several hours may lead to psychological or physical withdrawal
symptoms in those who consume large amounts on a daily basis.
