6 'Must Know' Facts about Caffeine

Caffeine is a mood-altering legal drug that many of us cannot live without on a daily basis since with the three most used caffeinated products being coffee, soda and tea. It is also the most widely used drug in the world, according to the 2016 Global Drug Survey. The report showed that caffeine products fell into the top of 20 most drugs used that included cocaine, cannabis, magic mushrooms, amphetamines, and LSD. Caffeine for the most part has received a bad reputation, but it has also shown to be healthy in small doses like boosting moods, aiding in concentration, and reducing the risks of liver cancer. Then other side of using too much caffeine can hurt you over, anything over 1,000 milligrams. The effects can range from depression, anxiety, and restlessness. With 85 percent of Americans consuming one caffeinated cup of coffee per day, no wonder why we are addicted. Perhaps you never knew what else caffeine can do to you besides give you a rush. Here are 6 interesting facts that you did not know.

It Can Cause a Mental Disorder

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Having withdraws from caffeine is actually a diagnosed mental disorder? The American Psychiatric Association, which published the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder (DSM-5) addressed caffeine withdrawal as a legitimate problem among people. Caffeine is a drug and people who withdraw from it have fatigue, mood changes, depression, insomnia, cold sweats, and lethargy. Since the symptoms are closely related to anxiety, the APA believed strongly that it should be listed among anxiety disorders. “Caffeine withdrawal is defined as a syndrome resulting from abrupt cessation or reduction in caffeine, following prolonged daily use,” as explained in the manual. Caffeine withdrawal was added to the DSM-5 in 2013.