Oh Caffeine, How I need Thee

Perseus · #1 October 4th, 2005, 10:30 PM

Ok, so I tried to go off Coke, Pepsi and the like (I don't drink Coffee, Jolt, Red Bull (although thought about it)), and I think I am having Coke withdrawal! I was able to go seven days without a can of coke (basically my average intake a day) before I started to get headaches and was really aching for a Coke! I had to have one.

I mean, coffee smells so good but when I tried it, it tasted nasty!

What do you fancy? Starbucks? Dunkin' Donuts? Peet's? other?

Are there any cool European Colas that I could try? I just love my soda...

Mikuro · #2 October 4th, 2005, 11:01 PM

If it took you a week to get headaches, I think it's all in your head (err...you know what I mean). I don't think it ever takes a whole week for withdrawal symptoms to kick in.

Years ago, I drank several liters of Coke every day. Eventually I decided that was a liiiittle bit too much (y'think?!?), so I quit altogether. Headaches and sleeplessness kicked in immediately and lasted about a week.

Nowadays I let myself drink a little caffeine, but not on a daily basis. And usually when I do, I have a "caffeine hangover" the next day (which usually consists of bad sleep, headaches, and high irritability). I seem to be much more sensitive to it now than I ever was before.

As for how I get my fix, it used to be 99% Coke. These days I drink mostly caffeine-free Coke, and when I want caffeine I usually drink Cherry Pepsi. Coffee just disgusts me.

RGrphc2 · #3 October 4th, 2005, 11:35 PM

I used to be like you Mikuro, drank about 2 Liter bottle of Pepsi a day...I cut back the caffeine big time and i was able to sleep better and i stopped having acne break outs, i drink now more water than anything else, and i drink (on the occasion) a Regular Coffee from Dunkin' Donuts, not that flavored stuff. Just cream and sugar, i used to hate coffee too, but you just have to explore with what you like it in.

Try coffee black, then put sugar in it or if you don't like it sweet just try cream

Dunkin Donuts is the best for the price, Starbucks is too damn much for the size, what is it now $3.00 for a Tall cup of coffee (16 oz). For 3 Bucks at Dunkin Dounts you can get the great one which is 36 oz of Coffee...woo!!!

Starbucks seems to be always stale when and if i buy it...

JetwingX · #4 October 5th, 2005, 01:02 AM

grande Caramel Frapachino from Starbucks (it isn't hot, but it tastes Really good)

**mdnky** · #5 October 5th, 2005, 01:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Perseus

I think I am having Coke withdrawal! I was able to go seven days without a can of coke (basically my average intake a day) before I started to get headaches and was really aching for a Coke! I had to have one. ..... Are there any cool European Colas that I could try? I just love my soda...

A lot harder to quit now than in the original days of Coke, when the coke actually stood for the main ingredient back then...cocaine. And yes, I actually meant it's harder now than then. Caffeine is one of the most addictive substance out there. It's in the same alkaloid as nicotine, morphine and cocaine...but is the most addictive, most common, and the only one not regulated in some manner...go figure.

Instead of trying to quit totally, take a few weeks to do it and keep the intake random, yet stepping down gradually. It should get rid of the withdrawal symptoms. Or you can deal with the withdraw for about a week and you should be fine afterwards.

I'm fine in the morning as long as I have my Coca-Cola...can even do without the cigarette. Take away the coke and then there's he|| to pay.

jonparadise · #6 October 5th, 2005, 03:14 AM

MMmmmm, coffee.

I gave up this time last year. Got rotten headaches for about 8 days, then it cleared up. Didn't feel any better in the long run. So I started again.

My workmates were pleased when I started again, as I was 'a bloody miserable bastard' when I kicked the habit.

mw84 · #7 October 5th, 2005, 03:55 AM

I'm usually on the Red Bull when I need to stay awake, I don't really have much caffeine otherwise though. Coffee is rank and I'm usually drinking water or pineapple juice instead of fizzy things. The new diet coke with lime is pretty nice though.

ksv · #8 October 6th, 2005, 10:39 PM

Espresso. Thanks to Italy for excellent coffee culture

It's obviously stronger than plain coffee, but personally I think it has a much rounder aroma. A little cup of concentrated coffee is far more drinkable than the washing water-like stuff you get served as "coffee" in most places.