Do you drink more than two or three 8-ounce cups of coffee per day? New research says you may want to start cutting back.
Many of us joke about how we cannot function before we drink our morning coffee, but a new study coauthored by American University psychology professor Laura Juliano suggests that those of us that rely on coffee or caffeine-filled drinks may have Caffeine Use Disorder.
Juliano says that taking in any more than two to three 8-ounce cups could mean you are dependent and may suffer withdrawal symptoms like headaches and fatigue if you try to cut back.
"The negative effects of caffeine are often not recognized as such because it is a socially acceptable and widely consumed drug that is well integrated into our customs and routines," Juliano said in a public release statement. "And while many people can consume caffeine without harm, for some it produces negative effects, physical dependence, interferes with daily functioning, and can be difficult to give up, which are signs of problematic use."
Juliano also went on to say that over 50 percent of daily caffeine consumers admitted they have had trouble quitting or even just reducing their caffeine intake.
As a result of the study by Juliano and her team,Caffeine Use Disorder has been added to the DSM-5, or the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, so that it’ll gain more attention to be further researched.
Through this study, Juliano hopes to raise awareness towards this potentially harmful yet relatively unknown issue. As of now, manufacturers aren’t required to include caffeine amounts on labels, so many of us do not even realize how much we consume during a day.
So if you’re reading this while heating up with a cup of Jo, I apologize for making you feel guilty about it.
To learn more about the study, click here.
About the Author/s
Lauren is a writer and blogger for The Digest. A lifelong Sussex County resident, Lauren has adventured out of the sticks of northwest New Jersey to join The Digest team. When she is not commuting in rush hour traffic, she is typically frolicking outdoors or cheering on the Yankees.
