7

I drink 5-8-10 cups of coffee a day prepared on automatic coffee machine.

My problem is that I don't have a stimulating effect from coffee. So I usually feel if I must drink coffee or I feel tired If I don't.

I have tried to get rid of this addiction several times. I can easily stop drinking it for a couple of days (or weeks). First 1-2 days I have a headache and I'm tired; but after that I feel normal. After 2 weeks I tell to myself why not to have 1 coffee, then 2 coffee and very soon I'm again on 5-8 cups a day.

Update: After one year nothing has changed. I'm still on 5-8 cups of strong coffee. I simply like how it smells, I like how it taste.

Improve this question
4
  • Your second paragraph is self-contradictory. If you did not get a stimulating effect, coffee or no coffee would not affect how tired you feel...
    – Ecnerwal
    Mar 1, 2017 at 17:03
  • 12 step program? But on a more serious note I do relate to this. I normally try to quit when I have time off and am able to sleep more, that's what generally works for me
    – Bensstats
    Mar 2, 2017 at 4:11
  • @Ecnerwal I'll try to explain: I have to drink coffee otherwise I feel out of energy. Also I think I have caffeine tolerance. It does not matter how much I drink. So when I need a bigger boost let's say I can't get it from coffee.
    – user1209304
    Mar 2, 2017 at 8:44
  • I've read that your chances of success may be greater if you wean yourself slowly over a period of weeks. Going from 8-10 cups/day to zero is going to be painful and unsustainable, but going from 10-->8-->6-->4-->2-->zero, week by week is much more manageable and will limit the negative withdrawal effects. The key is to plan it out in advance and stick to it.
    – Nick Weinberg
    Mar 17, 2017 at 18:46

4 Answers 4

Reset to default
5

First, the effects you observe are known as caffeine withdrawal and discussed here.

Coffee addiction is previously discussed here.

However, it is not discussed how to get rid of a coffee addiction. First, you should understand if overcoming this addiction is necessary. I assume, most people who are members of Coffee SE are not likely to think that.

Here is a general link that explains how to get rid of any addiction in three steps:

  1. Decide to quit. (Think positive future effects, write a commitment to yourself, etc.)
  2. Make a plan to quit. (Set a date, set your environment, overcome the triggers, seek professional help, etc.)
  3. Handle withdrawal. (Fill your time with new habits, keep clear of triggers, don't find rationalizations to start again, celebrate accomplishments, etc.)
Improve this answer
3
  • Steps 2&3 involve getting rid off all your coffee making equipment and coffee, and avoiding coffee shops, the coffee maker at work, etc... and presumably alternate caffeine sources as well.
    – Ecnerwal
    Mar 1, 2017 at 17:00
  • @Ecnerwal :) Maybe... I just tried to copy the guidelines of coping with an addiction. Actually, I'm fond of my addiction and no interest in getting rid of coffee.
    – MTSan
    Mar 1, 2017 at 21:55
  • I didn't mean you, of course. You (and I) are either at "denial" or "acceptance", depending on one's viewpoint. And as things to be addicted to go, it's pretty benign. But if @user1209304 actually wants to quit and has problems with self-control where 1 cup becomes 10, a clean break needs to be made (environment and triggers.)
    – Ecnerwal
    Mar 1, 2017 at 22:44
4

For the physical addiction, you can reduce the amount of coffee you drink per day. When you get down to half a cup per day, the withdrawal symptoms are minimal.

Even quitting cold turkey can be done. I've done it, and I was a zombie with headache for two days, and then I was OK.

The bigger problem is the psychological addiction. You have to be really motivated to overcome it.

While trying to get pregnant and through entire pregnancy with my daughter I didn't have even a sip of coffee - but after I stopped breastfeeding her, I started drinking coffee again.

I just love the smell of coffee, the joy of drinking it, ... I can quit any time. I just don't want to.

UPDATE: Yes, I think it's possible to overcome psychological addiction with decaf.

Another thing: If you need caffeine to help you function, it's not just about getting rid of addiction, but also developing a couple habits that will reduce the need for caffeine:

  1. exercise regularly
  2. drink enough water
  3. maintain a good sleep hygiene:
    • get 8 hour of sleep every night (or the amount you need, if you determine you need more or less)
    • go to bet at the same time every night
    • wake up at the same time every morning
Improve this answer
1
  • Can you handle the psychological addiction by switching to decaf or to herbal tea like Roastaroma?
    – Jerry101
    Jul 28, 2017 at 8:07
1

Just take a little less coffee over the course of a few weeks. Start out with your normal amount, and slowly start dropping it.

Improve this answer
1

i came across this interesting article on getting rid of coffee addiction

Change your habits. If you realize that you are addicted to coffee and you do not like this, well try to change your habits....

Try to substitute. I find it very interesting to note that oftentimes people have more of a psychological dependency or tradition rather than need for coffee. ...

Improve this answer
1
  • 1
    Dear Sergey, welcome to Coffee SE. By tradition, instead of repeating the same answer under similar questions, we post links of similar answers.
    – MTSan
    Jul 4, 2017 at 13:50

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.