Energy Drinks, Caffeine Intoxication, and Addiction

With the advent of modern technology and modern work habits, many people have a hard time maintaining the energy levels needed to perform effectively. Increases in stress and other issues prevent people from sleeping properly which also contributes to the problem of low energy levels.

It is because of this that many people turn to caffeine to maintain alertness and mental acuity. This has given an unfortunate rise in products that contain a large amount of caffeine. The energy drink market is a thriving one and one that was not regulated until very recently. Unfortunately, there are some serious consequences to these energy drinks. Two of these consequences are addiction and caffeine intoxication.

Caffeine Addiction

Caffeine addiction is not ordinarily dangerous and millions of people are addicted to at least a daily dose of caffeine. For some this addiction goes much deeper. Caffeine can cause a number of unwanted side effects including:

• diarrhea
• vomiting
• stomach ulcers
• intestinal bleeding
• dehydration
• anxiety
• mood swings
• nausea
• stomach upset
• rapid heartbeat
• high blood pressure
• chronic insomnia

These side effects are magnified depending on how much caffeine you take in. The higher the caffeine level, the more intense the symptoms.

Caffeine is also highly addictive and can cause withdrawal. The withdrawal symptoms are not typically dangerous but they are unpleasant and may be severe. According to the National Library of Medicine the withdrawal symptoms are:

• chills
• fatigue
• lethargy
• hot flashes
• muscle pain or stiffness
• sinus infection symptoms
• insomnia
• depression
• irritability
• difficulty concentrating
• mood swings
• migraines

These symptoms happen when you stop taking or using caffeine, particularly energy drinks suddenly. Some of the ingredients in energy drinks have similar side effects and withdrawal symptoms this compounds the effects exponentially.

Caffeine Intoxication

Caffeine intoxication, also known as caffeine poisoning, is an overdose of caffeine. The word intoxication is misleading in its title but is anything but pleasant. Caffeine intoxication is more prevalent with the use of energy drinks because of its higher concentrations of caffeine. According to the National Library of Medicine, the symptoms of caffeine intoxication are:

• trouble breathing
• confusion
• convulsions
• hallucinations
• increased heart rate
• increased thirst
• irregular heartbeat
• increases in blood pressure
• rapid heartbeat
• dizziness
• fever
• diarrhea

The caffeine intoxication is compounded when mixed with alcohol. Some people mix alcohol with energy drinks because it increases the effects of alcohol and caffeine intoxication. Many people fall into the trap of mixing alcohol and caffeine, which compounds their addiction and makes the withdrawal symptoms of both worse.

10 Commonly Overlooked Dangers of Energy Drinks

How to Find Help for Caffeine and Energy Drink Addiction

Although you may not consider a rehab at first, inpatient and outpatient rehab is available for this addiction. We can find you a rehab center to help you get off energy drinks before it is too late. There are already deaths attributed to both caffeine intoxication and energy drinks. For more information call us at 800-605-6597 Who Answers?.