Medical knowledge, Patient Education
Caffeine Use Disorder
Caffeine use disorder is a condition in which a person cannot control how much caffeine they consume. Caffeine is a drug that is found in many foods and beverages, such as coffee, tea, chocolate, and energy drinks. Caffeine is also found in some medicines and over-the-counter products like alertness tablets or weight loss pills. Too much caffeine may be harmful to your health.
People with caffeine use disorder continue to consume caffeine even though they know it may be causing problems with their physical or mental health.
What are the causes?
This condition is caused by consuming too much caffeine over time.
What increases the risk?
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You have more than 400 mg of caffeine, or 4 cups of coffee, each day.
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You have a history or family history of substance use disorder or alcohol abuse.
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You have a psychiatric or mental health disorder, or you have been treated for one.
What are the signs or symptoms?
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Finding it hard to get through the day without caffeine. Caffeine is hurting your ability to function.
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Needing more and more caffeine to get the same effect. This means that you have developed caffeine tolerance.
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Wanting to limit your caffeine intake but finding it hard to do so.
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Having withdrawal symptoms within 24 hours of not having caffeine. Withdrawal symptoms may include:
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Headaches.
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Feeling tired or sleepy.
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Feeling irritable, angry, or depressed.
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Not being able to focus.
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Feeling like you have symptoms of the flu, such as:
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Body aches.
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Sweating.
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Coughing.
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Vomiting or loss of appetite.
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Having trouble falling asleep because of caffeine. Also, falling asleep at the wrong time because you did not have caffeine, such as at work or in school.
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Continuing to use caffeine even though it harms your body or emotions. You are concerned that your high caffeine intake is bad for your health.
How is this diagnosed?
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Ask questions about how much caffeine you consume each day.
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Try to determine if your caffeine intake is harming your health. Some health problems that may be related to caffeine use include:
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Heart or stomach problems.
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Stress or anxiety.
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Being unable to sleep (insomnia).
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Urinary problems.
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Muscle twitching.
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Ask questions about why you find it hard to quit consuming caffeine or why you have had trouble quitting in the past.
How is this treated?
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Discuss how to manage withdrawal symptoms.
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Help you figure out how much caffeine you should consume on a regular basis.
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Recommend counseling to help treat your caffeine use disorder.
Follow these instructions at home:
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Follow instructions from your health care provider about how to cut down on caffeine. This may involve:
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Slowly reducing your intake of caffeine. For example, you may gradually take fewer cups of coffee each day until you are able to have only one cup daily.
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Mixing a caffeinated soda with a decaffeinated soda.
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Replacing coffee, tea, or soda with a decaffeinated drink.
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Do not stop having caffeine all at once. Doing that may cause severe withdrawal symptoms.
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Find ways to reduce stress, such as by:
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Meditating.
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Being more active.
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Using deep breathing exercises.
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Contact a health care provider if:
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You cannot cut down on caffeine.
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Withdrawal symptoms get worse or they do not go away.
Get help right away if:
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You have severe caffeine withdrawal symptoms, such as vomiting or depression.
Summary
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Caffeine use disorder is a condition in which a person cannot control how much caffeine they consume.
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Symptoms of caffeine use disorder include wanting to limit your caffeine intake but finding it hard to do so.
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Do not stop having caffeine all at once. Doing that may cause severe withdrawal symptoms.
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Follow instructions from your health care provider about how to cut down on caffeine.
This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your health care provider. Make sure you discuss any questions you have with your health care provider.
