Caffeine – An Invisible Addiction

Abstract

Caffeine, an alkaloid, is a stimulant of the central nervous system and is the most popularly consumed psychoactive drug worldwide. This stimulant can have both positive and negative effects on health. The objective of this study was hence to determine the common side effects associated with consumption of caffeinated drinks along with any symptoms stated by the participants that indicate withdrawal. A questionnaire-based descriptive epidemiological study was conducted at three major universities of Lahore, Pakistan. Among the target population that fell in the age ranging from 18-28 years, 35% started consuming caffeinated drinks between the ages 10-15, while tea was consumed by 60% of the sample population. 50% consume caffeinated drinks once or twice a day whereas 60% could refrain from consuming a single drink per day. 38.5% stated to suffer from increased urination while 22% suffered from increased blood pressure upon consumption. Caffeine addiction is one of the most prevalent and ever-expanding addictions in the world which must be either eliminated from diet or replaced by a healthier alternative.