Caffeine Addiction May Be a Bigger Health Problem Than Previously Thought

According to a recent study, heavy caffeine dependency can result in withdrawal symptoms. Caffeine is the most widely consumed "drug" in the world, which has led health professionals to coin the condition "Caffeine Use Disorder" for people who indulge in problematic use of the stimulant.

The recent study, entitled "Caffeine Use Disorder: A Comprehensive Review and Research Agenda," was conducted by professors from American University, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, and the University of Vermont. It was published in September in the Journal of Caffeine Research.

"The negative effects of caffeine are often not recognized as such because it is a socially acceptable and widely consumed drug that is well integrated into our customs and routines," said Laura Juliano, a psychology professor at American University and co-author of the study, in this EurekAlert! article. "And while many people can consume caffeine without harm, for some it produces negative effects, physical dependence, interferes with daily functioning, and can be difficult to give up, which are signs of problematic use." 

The study used past published caffeine research, summarizing the relative information to help present their stance that there is biological evidence for caffeine dependence along with significant physical and psychological symptoms associated with regular caffeine users. Their study aims to redirect future caffeine dependence research through a proposed agenda.

Juliano and her co-authors are not the only professors and researchers in their field concerned with the issue of caffeine. Last spring, the American Psychiatric Association acknowledged "Caffeine Use Disorder" as a legitimate health concern and that it is worthy of further research. In fact, the association suggested that the research be conducted in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders, which is the standard classification of mental disorders used by mental health professionals in the United States. The call for more research is out there and we may see more findings relatively soon.

To read more about this particular study, visit this article on the EurekAlert! website.