Caffeine: How to Effectively Quit Drinking Coffee

SHOULD YOU QUIT DRINKING COFFEE COLD TURKEY?

Caffeine has addictive properties and quitting cold turkey may lead to withdrawal symptoms, such as headaches, tiredness, difficulty concentrating, nausea, muscle pain, and irritability (Cleveland Clinic, 2020). Like many other addictive substances, weaning yourself from caffeine is a slow and gradual process.

Coffee is an essential part of many morning routines, but there is a thing as too much caffeine. Currently, the FDA recommends no more than 400 mg of caffeine, which amounts to about four cups of coffee each day (FDA, 2018). Increased and excessive caffeine use may lead to anxiety, nausea, sleeplessness, and restlessness (Cleveland Clinic, 2021). The Cleveland Clinic suggests three tips to reduce caffeine intake:

1. Set a time limit,
2. Substitute a lower caffeine drink, and
3. Lean on decaf.

Try setting a time to stop your caffeine intake each day. Some people choose a time during the early afternoon while they’re still at work; this helps them break the habit of consuming more caffeine after leaving work.

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-Written by Sabrina Park MPH