Popular energy drinks improve alertness and concentration.
These products contain ingredients to improve mental and physical health, including caffeine, sugars, B-vitamins, herbal extracts, and amino acid derivatives such as L-taurine.
Energy drinks can be beneficial, but they also have some health risks associated with them. These are related to the excessive amount of sugar and caffeine, as well as the artificial sweeteners. Addiction and dependence are two of the main concerns. This article discusses the symptoms of energy drink addiction and its side effects. It also explains how to stop or prevent it.
What is an energy drink addiction?
Addiction is a mental condition that includes a persistent desire to use substances or engage in behaviors despite their negative effects. Food addictions (such as energy drink addiction) share many similar behaviors.
Energy drinks can be addictive for some people because they contain caffeine, sugar, or artificial sweeteners.
It's not clear what an addiction to energy drinks is. For the purposes of this article, an energy drink addiction is defined as drinking excessive quantities of energy drinks and not being able to control your intake.
Addiction signs
Addiction to energy drinks may cause symptoms related to the brain and nervous systems, including:
- Strong cravings
- Mental image of energy drinks
- Inability to control energy drink intake
Other signs include headaches, irritability, and fatigue.
Side effects
Addiction to energy drinks can also have negative effects. Energy drinks are acidic and can cause teeth to discolor and eventually wear down your enamel. You may be more susceptible to dental problems, like cavities.
The sugar in energy drinks feeds bacteria, which forms plaque and promotes tooth decay. Also, energy drinks can cause weight gain if consumed frequently.
Energy drinks with full sugar content contain 110 calories per 8.4-ounce (250-mL) can. The larger cans (such as those in 20-ounce (590 mL) sizes) can add up to 275 calories per day, depending on the number of cans consumed.
Researchers have linked the consumption of energy drinks and sugar-sweetened beverages with chronic health problems, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and kidney diseases.
Although sugar-free energy drinks may appear more appealing because of their lower sugar and calories, they still contain the same amount of caffeine. Artificial sweeteners are also linked to an increase in type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and other diseases.
Regularly purchasing energy drinks may affect your finances, in addition to raising health concerns. The cost of a daily energy drink habit can be as high as the cost of a cigarette.
Addiction and its causes
Addiction to energy drinks can develop slowly or rapidly. Many factors can influence the development of an addiction, such as your family and personal history as well as brain chemistry. (16 Trusted source).
Energy drinks can be problematic, especially those high in sugar and caffeine, because they cause the brain to release more dopamine. This is the feel-good chemical.
The downside of energy drinks is that they can cause you to feel less dopamine. You may feel a need to drink more to maintain the dopamine rush, which can lead to dependency.
Energy drinks are also addictive from a mental perspective. Some people feel that they can't perform their daily tasks without energy drinks. This may lead to dependency.
Remember that different factors can lead to a dependency on energy drinks. These factors will vary from person to person.
What to do if you want to stop drinking energy drinks
There are many ways to stop drinking energy drinks.
Two key methods to overcome addiction are:
- Cold turkey quitting. This is the act of stopping energy drinks abruptly. However, it can cause withdrawal symptoms. It may also help you recover faster from your energy drink addiction than from tapering.
- Reduce your intake. You can do this by reducing the number of energy drinks you consume slowly and methodically until you are able to stop. It may take longer, but it can prevent withdrawal symptoms.
It's important to select the method that suits your lifestyle and personality. Quitting energy drinks is also a mental challenge. It can be worth seeking professional help if you are struggling to stop.
How to deal with withdrawal symptoms
The withdrawal symptoms are the main reason it is difficult to stop using addictive substances. These symptoms are more common when you stop cold turkey.
You may experience withdrawal symptoms from an addiction to energy drinks, including headaches, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating.
These symptoms can last from 2 to 9 days and are often related to stopping caffeine. You should consult your doctor if you are having difficulty managing these symptoms.
Alternatives to Energy Drinks
It is possible to overcome an addiction to energy drinks by substituting them with similar products.
Here are healthier alternatives to coffee, sugar, and artificial sweeteners that are free or have less of them.
- Coffee is the best decaf.
- Water infused with fruits of your choice
- Sparkling water that is ideal, unsweetened
- Green tea in bottled sparkling versions
- Herbal or fruit teas
- Kombucha, or fermented tea
Additional lifestyle tips
Here are a few lifestyle changes you can make to help you quit energy drinks.
- Change your thinking process.
- Do not allow energy drinks to be consumed in the home. By removing all energy drinks from your home or areas that are easily accessible, you can reduce cravings and temptations.
- Develop a support network. Quitting substances alone is difficult. You may want to tell your closest friends and family that you are trying to quit. They can help you stay on track.
- Manage your stress levels. Participating in stress-relieving exercises such as yoga, meditation, mindfulness, or deep breathing can help you manage your cravings.
The bottom line
Addiction to energy drinks can be harmful for your health.
Excessive drinking can lead to chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes or heart disease. This can put strain on your finances. There are pros and cons to both options.
Consider seeking support from your doctor if you are having difficulty reducing your intake of energy drinks.
Credit: The Web Health Drugs Discussion Forum
