Caffeine has always been known as habit forming. "Many people cannot start their day without a cup of their morning coffee, merely because they are so use to it" IFIC (2000). Soon, this morning coffee becomes an addiction because coffee drinkers cannot survive without consuming their coffee every morning. The International Food Council says "caffeine isn't addictive in the way that dependency drugs or alcohol can be, but there are still issues with caffeine and addiction" IFIC (2000). It is a serious addiction though. Many people cannot get through their day unless they have their morning coffee or tea. The miss of this morning coffee leads to withdrawal that people should not have to face daily due to the high caffeine consumptions.
Side effects that come from skipping daily caffeine can be a real pain, especially when it comes from withdrawal. Who really wants to deal with headaches, nervousness, anxiety, erratic heartbeats, upset stomachs, increased blood pressure, and trouble with balance? "In extreme cases nausea and vomiting symptoms have also been reported" Bolton (2000). This usually only happens when caffeine is abused. "These effects start to take place within the first twenty-four hours of the last caffeine "fix"" Owen (1998). People would not have to put up with this if they did not start using caffeine to get through their day. "To avoid withdrawal certain people must maintain a certain level of caffeine circulating through their system" Bolton (2000).
In order to fix their level of caffeine so they can feel better, people start to consume more than usual. This leads to overdosing. People who overdose experience the same symptoms as people who go through withdrawal. The symptoms are greater and just more intense. "Overdosing on caffeine, on top of being unpleasant symptoms, can also kill a person or cause permanent damage" Owen (1998). A lethal dosage of caffeine is estimated at ten grams consumed orally.
