

For many of us who sit behind computer screens all day, these caffeinated beverages help us focus our attention and provide a welcome excuse to get up from our chairs once in a while. Caffeine is thought to have little to no abuse liability, but perhaps its modest reinforcing effects enhance the desirability of beverages that already have pleasant flavors and aromas, such as coffee, tea, and soft drinks. For this reason, caffeine consumption is typically self-limiting and compatible with a social and productive life. At high doses, caffeine produces aversive intoxicating effects. What effect will this have on us and America’s most popular psychostimulant?Ĭaffeine is generally considered a functional or beneficial drug because it can improve mood and alertness at low doses.
#CAFFEINE WITHDRAWAL MANUAL#
The latest version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5 th Edition (DSM-5) now includes Caffeine Withdrawal Disorder and proposes a set of criteria for caffeine use disorder. This article reviews the recent changes to the DSM, the concerns regarding these changes, and some potential impacts these changes could have on caffeine consumers.Īfter centuries of cultivation and consumption, our relationship with caffeine has just undergone a major change. Yet there is evidence that some individuals are psychologically and physiologically dependent on caffeine, although the prevalence and severity of these problems is unknown. However, since nonproblematic caffeine use is so common and widespread, it may be difficult for some health professionals to accept that caffeine use can result in the same types of pathological behaviors caused by alcohol, cocaine, opiates, or other drugs of abuse. caffeine use disorder is intended to be characterized by cognitive, behavioral, and physiological symptoms indicative of caffeine use despite significant caffeine-related problems, similar to other Substance Use Disorders. Caffeine Withdrawal is now an officially recognized diagnosis, and criteria for caffeine use disorder have been proposed for additional study. The latest edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5) has introduced new provisions for caffeine-related disorders.
