Among flavors and aromas, and already introduced as a drink or complement in cooking, coffee is perhaps one of the “most common drugs” in our daily lives. When taken occasionally, it is not indicative of any dependence. However, if in excess, it quickly becomes a chemical dependency due to the effects of caffeine.

Here we seek to demystify what coffee addiction is, to what extent it impacts daily life, and how it can be treated.

What is coffee addiction?

Assuming coffee, or in this case caffeine, as an addictive substance, coffee addiction happens when it becomes addictive and creates a vicious circle.

A drink highly concentrated in caffeine, coffee has a high influence on nerve cells and the release of neurotransmitters and hormones, such as adrenaline. Used many times as a means to keep the body awake, the truth is that excessive intake can have effects beyond resistance to fatigue.

Caffeine, being a Central Nervous System (CNS) stimulant, is able to contribute to increased concentration and metabolism, as well as improving mood.

If an individual drinks coffee or caffeinated beverages on a daily basis, they will develop a tolerance to caffeine, just as they would with other drugs. After some time, to have the same alert effects, the individual will have to consume higher and higher doses of caffeine. Much like addiction to other drugs, if these individuals suddenly stop drinking caffeinated beverages or coffee, they begin to experience withdrawal symptoms as well as cravings for caffeine consumption.

When is there a dependence on coffee?

Like any other addiction, coffee addiction is a reality when the lack of consumption causes withdrawal symptoms in a person, which can range from:

• Throbbing headaches;
• Anxiety;
• Depressed mood;
• Low energy;
• Irritability;
• Fatigue;
• Difficulties concentrating.

Another indication that we may be facing an addiction to coffee is when the person is no longer aware of caffeine consumption. In these cases, the person no longer drinks coffee for the pleasure of the taste/aroma, but out of necessity – even though it does not keep him/her awake, the body feels the need to ingest a certain amount of the substance.

Is there treatment for coffee addiction?

Yes, there is treatment. But, as with all addictions, it is important to emphasize that it is a treatment and not a cure, as the person will always be prone to relapse. In the case of coffee addiction, it is often associated with other clinical conditions, such as insomnia or eating disorders.

The first step in treating coffee addiction is to limit your intake, gradually reducing caffeine to help avoid withdrawal symptoms. But this is not the only step towards successful treatment.
In turn, it is important that the treatment includes control techniques and the creation of routines and habits that are more favorable to a rapid and continuous recovery.

At VillaRamadas, we have as our vision an approach that involves facing setbacks, failures and personal crises, in order to make productive and responsible changes. Aiming to face adversity as part of a whole, treatment for coffee addiction aims to develop positive attitudes that help recovery.

Is hospitalization required to treat coffee addiction?

Each case is unique and the treatment plan must be adapted to the reality of each person. The need for hospitalization will depend on the severity of the dependence on coffee and/or caffeinated beverages and how much this impairs the individual’s life.

But we explain a little more about what is involved in an internment here.

Coffee addiction is real, and it doesn’t go unnoticed in everyday life. Not being immediately negative in terms of social relationships, it may, however, be necessary to remove them from everyday life for better emotional and physical stability. You can talk to us! At VillaRamadas we have a team that can help you deal with this dependency in a direct and efficient way.