Caffeine has become a huge part of today society. Collectively, people in the US consume about 500 million cups of coffee a day. There are 80-100 milligrams in an 8-ounce cup of coffee according to the FDA, meaning, a pretty good portion of Americans drink up to 300 milligrams a day by drinking coffee alone. This is not including things like energy drinks, teas, and sodas.

Consuming more than 600mg of caffeine a day may cause sleeping problems and anxiety. Caffeine is highly addictive. 9^th grade teacher Cait Tate says “I have always relied on caffeine. I’m a diet coke girly” she also said, “I love caffeine; it gets me through every day.”

9^th grader from Pompano Beach High Lily Scire says “Caffeine is very useful to keep your energy up especially if you can’t sleep or if you can’t get energy anywhere else.”

9^th grader from Cardinal Gibbons High Samantha Cooke states “I think for people who deal with mental illnesses like ADHD or ADD it could help relax their stimulated brain because coffee is a stimulant, and they attack each other.”

Caffeine is classified as a drug because it stimulates the central nervous system. Headaches, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and dysphoric moods are common symptoms of caffeine addiction. Most caffeine addiction symptoms can be resolved in 7-12 days of consumption reduction.

In small doses, caffeine can make you feel refreshed and focused. However, in large doses, caffeine can make you feel anxious and have difficulty sleeping. Along with thinning of bones and fractures.

Energy drinks are addictive because is causes the brain to release dopamine (the feel-good hormone).

Energy drinks contain high amounts of sugar, caffeine and other stimulates. Most common uses of these drinks are to increase physical performance, improve mental alertness and boost energy. Similarly, to when a dog gets the ‘zoomies’.

Once you reached to point of constantly consuming caffeine there is something called a caffeine crash that may surface. Signs of a caffeine crash includes headaches, tiredness, difficulty concentrating, and irritability.

Due to their relatively high levels of disposable income (no children, no mortgage, and decent salary), Gen Z consumers are willing to spend their hard-earned cash on coffee and other beverage choices that meet their evolving needs. In younger people drinking caffeine may stunt their maturing brain and lead to bone loss.

While caffeine can be used to gain energy quickly or release a quick shot of dopamine, it is important to remember these common side effects to maintain a healthy lifestyle.