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Some people do not consider caffeine an addictive drug, or at least not a serious one. Of course it's no heroin or crystal methamphetamine, but it most certainly is addictive. In fact, according to researchers, caffiene can cause the same effects as alcohol, acid, cocaine, crystal methamphetamine, and nicotine. A tremendous amount of people in the United States alone consider coffee, tea, or energy drinks a daily part of their diet. It's a great crutch for those of us who have great trouble getting out of bed in the morning, or simply for anyone who needs a little bit of a jump start. Even chocolate contains small amounts of caffiene...and who could live without chocolate?

Not unlike many other people in the world, I have developed a dependency of caffeine. My weapon of choice: Red Bull energy drink. If I do not drink at least an 8.3 oz. can of Red Bull in a twenty-four-hour period, I will feel it. Though it only takes a minor toll on me-usually just a throbbing headache that lasts a few hours-lack of caffeine does cause an effect.

Red Bull energy drink, along with its competitors, are far from the best drink for me, health-wise. Plus, it can be very very pricey. Some other energy drinks on convenience store shelves today are Rockstar (made my Coca-Cola), Amp (made by Pepsi), Full Throttle (also made by Coca-Cola), and Adrenaline Rush (made by SoBe). Instead of hemorrhaging money into the Red Bull company, I've acquired the taste for coffee, which I guzzle when no Red Bull is available.

Addiction to caffeine is not a hard addiction to break but withdrawal symptoms are minor and do not last long. But it is the habit that is hard to break. Breaking a caffeine dependency can be a lot like quitting smoking cigarettes or even doing drugs. It requires a combination of finding alternatives and staying focused. It can be done, and believe me, it's not so hard. Your body and mind will thank you for it.

Another reason why so many people are addicted to caffeine is because of social aspects. Think about it. As a coffee drinker, how many times have you met up with a friend for a cup of coffee? Or shared a chocolate desert with someone special? It is all too common to consume caffeine without even thinking about it. It's okay though. You're not alone. And you may not be anywhere close to addiction. If not, I envy you. But for the rest of us addicts, the next fix may just sitting on the kitchen counter brewing right now.

Learn more about this author, Megan Deroche.
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