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  • The struggle is real when it comes to caffeine addiction.

  • Everyone already knows there's caffeine in your morning coffee, but you may be surprised to find it in

  • a whole bunch of other drinks, foods, and medications as well.

  • And while it's a widely-consumed legal stimulant, there are still health risks

  • and uncomfortable symptoms associated with having a dependency.

  • Here are some signs to look out for if you think you may be addicted to caffeine.

  • "Enjoying my coffee."

  • Lethargic much?

  • One of the tell-tale signs of caffeine dependence is the unshakeable lethargy you feel when you go without it.

  • Going to work sluggish, canceling plans with friends and loved ones due to fatigue, and

  • not feeling motivated to participate in your usual activities are all indicators of withdrawal.

  • If missing that morning cup of java leaves you tired and lacking energy,

  • you might be addicted to caffeine.

  • Since many habitual coffee drinkers use caffeine as an aid for starting the day or as a refresher in the afternoon

  • , it comes as no surprise that their energy levels dip dramatically when they don't get that regular intake.

  • According to CNN Health, quitting caffeine can mean

  • losing the psychological energy boost that drinking coffee provides.

  • Pounding headaches

  • Since the primary cause of caffeine-related headaches has to do with withdrawal from the substance,

  • often times the pain can be eased, ironically, by consuming more caffeine.

  • Of course, if you get to a point in which you need to have more of something just to stave off pain,

  • you're probably aware you may have a bit of a problem.

  • As people who consume only small amounts of caffeine daily don't tend to suffer debilitating headaches

  • when they pull back, you might consider gradually cutting back on coffee, sodas, and teas that contain caffeine.

  • "Can you take half of the regular version of the coffee and mix it with half of the decaffeinated version

  • or is that just too weird a thing?"

  • Gonna puke?

  • If you are indeed addicted to caffeine and suddenly go without, you may experience physical

  • symptoms of withdrawal.

  • The strange, uneasy feeling like you may need to vomit ASAP is one indicator of an unhealthy dependency on caffeine.

  • On the other hand, drinking coffee in and of itself can be the cause of your nausea.

  • While having coffee in small amounts can be fine, over consumption can make you feel sick to your stomach.

  • Depression

  • According to the Mayo Clinic, there's an indirect connection between caffeine consumption and depression.

  • Since excessive intake of caffeine can prevent people from getting the proper amount of sleep,

  • their moods may be affected adversely, contributing to feelings of depression.

  • If you're already addicted to caffeine,

  • stopping your coffee habit cold turkey can also add to your depressed state.

  • Studies have shown that people who already suffer from mood disorders such as anxiety and depression

  • may want to steer clear of caffeine altogether.

  • Muscle problems

  • You know that all-over achy feeling you get when you're coming down with the flu?

  • According to the Wall Street Journal, similar types of muscle pain, cramping, and stiffness

  • can occur when you've become addicted to caffeine and try to pull back from it.

  • Normal activities that you take for granted, like walking and light exercise,

  • might start to feel strenuous and burdensome during caffeine withdrawal.

  • Mood swings

  • Since caffeine is a legal substance found in beverages you can easily purchase, it can

  • it can be easy to forget that caffeine is still an addictive stimulant

  • and it can affect your moods tremendously.

  • People who are dependent on their daily intake suffer greatly when they don't get their fix, so to speak.

  • As The Nest pointed out, if you are addicted, you may find that over time, you need more and more caffeine to remain stable.

  • "Put that coffee down."

  • Consuming your regular amount no longer has the same effect,

  • causing you to experience more and more dips in your moods.

  • Digestion

  • If you find that you have digestive issues that cause you to feel constipated on the reg,

  • it may be time to examine your relationship with caffeine.

  • Having trouble maintaining regular healthy bowel movements can be one surefire sign that you're hooked.

  • According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, studies indicate that

  • drinking coffee and other beverages that contain caffeine can lead to a host of stomach problems.

  • "Of course I had no movements at all.

  • On Thursday or Friday, which was distressing in its own way."

  • While all these indicators don't necessarily mean you are addicted to caffeine, they do present red flags.

  • If you are unsure if you are dependent on it, ask your doctor to help you parse out your symptoms.

  • "For your health!"

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The struggle is real when it comes to caffeine addiction.

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