by Katie Ryan

Created on: July 13, 2009   Last Updated: August 02, 2009

Some Addictions Are Better Than Others

The Italian Espresso Style Cafs by Illy are the best-tasting coffee drinks to have provoked my caffeine addiction in years. I'll be damned if anything causes me to relapse this quickly again. Since I started cramming for practice SATs in the fifth grade, I've been aware of my unhealthy reliance on coffee to keep me sane. It wasn't until recently I discovered I'm okay with it. These days, I don't think I'll give up my dependence on coffee until I start losing friends over it, and even then, there's a list of people I'd be willing to let go for the sake of a good espresso.

Should I feel badly that I'm saying this? No, I don't think so. I think there is something to be said for being completely honest about your addictions. At least I am recognizing the fact that I have no control whatsoever when it comes to my morning cup of coffee. When I set out to forgo the morning ritual, I know I'll end up getting a latte at the drive-thru some time later that day. If I plan on having just one cup, I'll make sure it's the biggest mug I have (which usually equates to about half a pot). When I set absolutely no limits, that's when I run into trouble and end up knocking back eight cups plus. My ongoing mental strategy is somewhat flawed when it comes down to setting expectations I know will go unmet. But as long as I'm satisfied with my low expectations, everything seems to work out alright despite the residual caffeine jitters and elevated heart rate.

Let's face it-some addictions are better than others. Alcoholism will surely get you a DUI at some point or another and stalking wild lions will most surely get you mauled. Even persistent Dr. Pepper urges can be dangerous when diabetes comes into play, and when matched with a sodium-heavy sauerkraut dog, you might as well shoot up some heroine on the side. But with coffee, this just isn't the case. Going black is best since there are a negligible number of calories and absolutely no sugar is involved. On the other hand, adding a little milk can go a long way when it comes to meeting your daily calcium intake.

In fact, studies have shown that drinking coffee in moderation (i.e. ten venti-sized cappuccinos or more) can have health benefits such as reducing blood pressure and lowering one's risk of pancreatic cancer. Then again, other studies have proclaimed exactly the opposite, but scientific evidence is all relative to your own point of view anyway. Alas, I feel justified in defending my own addiction.

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