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Quitting Caffeine

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Re: Quitting Caffeine

#91

Post by geebee »

nkkollaw wrote: post #26
tekromancr wrote: post #16

I have a lot of problems trying to quit caffeine. Ever since I was a young child, they gave me really powerful amphetamines to get me to focus. Then when I turned 18 it became much more difficult to obtain. In the US, Ritalin/dexadrine/adderall are all class II controlled substances with similar restrictions to cocaine or fentynal, so in order to get it I would need to have a doctor's appointment every month, which w…

Jesus, that's like 10 espressos! I'm at >= 5. Pretty bad. I also feels like caffeine doesn't have much effect anymore. Any way to make quitting easier?

I quit a heavy coffee habit recently.

I cut my caffeine in half each day (and went from a quarter cup to zero) I did experience some withdrawal symptoms, including headache, lethargy, and some mild but notable depression. The worst of it was over in a couple of days, I'd say the full deal took about a week and a half. Not a load of fun but honestly not that bad considering I was a heavy coffee drinker for 30 years.

I'd recommend drawing down a little slower than 50% a day. Maybe a third or quarter? Either way don't go cold turkey definitely draw down.

Re: Quitting Caffeine

#92

Post by 0xcde4c3db »

nkkollaw wrote: post #70
bduerst wrote: post #47

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I quit for a while by switching to black tea. Lots and lots of the stuff, and working down from there.

Isn't that caffeine, too (actually we have a name for caffeine found in tea vs. coffee called "teina" vs. "caffeina" in Italian, but not in English I believe)? Sounds like quitting drinking by switching from wine to lots and lots of beer...

The English term, "theine" (not to be confused with theanine, an amino acid analogue also found in tea), is not commonly used anymore. It's occasionally used by cranks who insist that it's actually a different and preferable compound to caffeine.

Re: Quitting Caffeine

#93

Post by dvcrn »

emilecantin wrote: post #13

I drink coffee because I enjoy it, not to give me a "boost" in the morning. I limit myself to 1 large mug per day, with the (very) occasional afternoon cup. I don't notice any difference between my energy levels before / after my morning coffee, nor on days I skip it. I get a headache in the early afternoon when I skip it, though, so I'm definitely addicted. I wonder if the author's energy level issues were due to hi…

I'm similar. I drink coffee because I really like drinking coffee. That it's healthy is another bonus point, but at the same time I have to limit myself because the voice in my head says "don't drink too much otherwise your off-days will be harder".

Though I am still at maximum 1 cup per day and have absolutely no problem skipping a few days here and there. Good thing about caffeine is that it's very fast to reset back to 0.

Other caffeine sources I enjoy as well but try to stay away as much as possible and only consume very very very occasionally. Studies that link telomere length to caffeine (from non-coffee sources) are enough to make me not want to drink energy drinks at all despite me really liking the taste and boost.

Re: Quitting Caffeine

#94

Post by blatherard »

amelius wrote: post #11
maxxxxx wrote: post #5

The good thing about going off caffeine is that it works well when you have some from time. For example, when I have a long drive ahead of me I get some Starbucks. I am so sensitive to caffeine now that it keeps me awake the whole drive (and a few hours more unfortunately).

For staying awake I can also recommend ice cream OR chewing gum. edit: not at the same time

My favorite ice cream flavor as a child was Pink Bubblegum at Baskin Robbins: https://www.baskinrobbins.com/content/baskinrobbins/en/produ...

Re: Quitting Caffeine

#96

Post by tnecniv »

askvictor wrote: post #89

I occasionally quit caffeine as a way to recalibrate the tolerance that develops over time. But, within certain limits (my general consumption is 1-2 coffees a day, sometimes 3-4 if super tired or when exercising), there's very few negatives for most people, and quite a number of benefits. Nice explanatory video on the matter: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTVE5iPMKLg

I also find that my tolerance drops very quickly when I quit. When I'm on vacation, I don't drink much coffee because my schedule is different. I find after 2-3 days, I no longer am in withdrawal and when I come back from a 1-2 week break, my tolerance is very low.

Re: Quitting Caffeine

#97

Post by blatherard »

I've also been off of caffeine for about two years, for a few reasons (anxiety reduction, desire to be free of chemical dependencies, and especially sleep improvement). It took me about three weeks of depression and lethargy, but was totally worth it. My sleep especially is much-improved, and I'd say that my anxiety levels are generally lower.

The main thing is that you need to get enough sleep at night.

If you're interested, I found some support on reddit, http://www.reddit.com/r/decaf.

Re: Quitting Caffeine

#98

Post by newman8r »

bdamm wrote: post #34

When I quit smoking I wore nicotine patches for months. They were actually quite pleasant, providing a nice memory and creativity boost. It's now been a few years without cigarettes or patches, but I'm missing the warm stimulation and considering taking up just the patches.

nicotine gum is hacker gum. mix it with some betel nuts for an extra kick and a very odd texture.

Re: Quitting Caffeine

#99

Post by smegel »

Best thing I ever did.

For me it was the worst kind of vicious cycle - drink more, sleep worse, drink even more the next day.

Although I am sorely tempted every morning when I get a whiff of freshly ground coffee being brewed up.

Re: Quitting Caffeine

#100

Post by newman8r »

tekromancr wrote: post #16

I have a lot of problems trying to quit caffeine. Ever since I was a young child, they gave me really powerful amphetamines to get me to focus. Then when I turned 18 it became much more difficult to obtain. In the US, Ritalin/dexadrine/adderall are all class II controlled substances with similar restrictions to cocaine or fentynal, so in order to get it I would need to have a doctor's appointment every month, which w…

If you live in Southern California I can recommend some doctors who will prescribe it (if you have a legitimate need for it). I don't currently use adderall but I believe people should have access to it with medical supervision if they've done the research and think it will help.
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