The Buzz on Caffeine

This post from 2012 gets a refresh highlighting new caffeine trends. Question: What’s the most widely used drug? It’s not marijuana—and no, it’s not tobacco or alcohol either. Nine out of 10 Americans take it in some form every day, and it’s not limited to adults. Hint: According to a recent study published by the American Academy of Pediatrics, nearly three-fourths (75%) of children, teens, and young adults use it daily too—in the form of soda, coffee, and energy drinks. Answer: Caffeine! That’s right, caffeine is a drug—a stimulant drug, to be exact. It’s even possible to be physically dependent on it—which means that a person who is used to drinking lots of caffeinated beverages can experience withdrawal symptoms if they quit. Caffeine: Breaking Down the Buzz Caffeine has a perk-up effect because it blocks a brain chemical, adenosine, which causes sleepiness. On its own, moderate amounts of caffeine rarely cause harmful long-term health effects, although it is definitely possible to take too much caffeine and get sick as a result. Consuming too much caffeine can make you feel jittery or jumpy—your heart may race and your palms may sweat, kind of like a panic attack. It may also interfere with your sleep, which is especially important while your brain is still developing. Some caffeine drinks and foods will affect you more than others, because they contain very different amounts. Caffeine Source Caffeine Content 8 oz black tea 14‒70 milligrams (...
Source: NIDA Drugs and Health Blog - Category: Addiction Authors: Source Type: blogs