Energy drinks contain dangerous levels of caffeine, and drinking multiple energy drinks per day can cause extreme symptoms and addiction. Energy drink addiction is rising. About 50% of young adults consume excessive amounts of caffeine from energy drinks. Many people do not realize how dangerous addiction to energy drinks can be.
In fact, addiction to energy drinks is actually an addiction to caffeine. A common side effect of caffeine addiction is headaches if you don’t drink your usual amount of caffeine for the day. An average 16 ounce cup of coffee has about 170 mg of caffeine. You can become addicted to caffeine by drinking only 100 mg of caffeine a day. If you do become addicted, other withdrawal symptoms are fatigue, weakness, inability to concentrate, sleepiness, muscle tension, irritability, depression, anxiety, and nausea. These symptoms start about 12-24 hours after your last dosage of caffeine and reach their high of irritation about 12-48 hours after they first appear. In some cases, it can take a full week to completely get rid of caffeine withdrawal symptoms.
Energy drinks contain even higher levels of caffeine than a cup of coffee. Most energy drinks contain between 100-200 mg per serving, but some can be up to 300 mg. If you drink the recommended serving, you would still be at risk for caffeine addiction. However, many people drink multiple servings a day. This is very dangerous. People need to be aware of how much caffeine they are drinking in order to keep their bodies happy and healthy. Drinking this excessive amount of caffeine can cause even more severe side effects than drinking coffee. General symptoms are insomnia, nervousness, headaches, irregular heartbeat, anxiety, confusion, delirium, muscle trembling, nausea, and vomiting. In addition, if you combine this large amount of caffeine with alcohol, you will feel less drunk while in reality you are at dangerous levels. The inability to determine whether or not you are in control of all your senses is dangerous and frightening.
Energy drinks are dangerous. In 2011, there were 20,783 trips to the emergency room because of excess caffeine consumption. You need to be aware and vigilant of how much caffeine you are consuming and be able to gauge your body’s response to it. If you feel like you are beginning to experience symptoms of caffeine, evaluate whether or not you want to continue using and feed your addiction. Your body is a delicate, important asset to life. It’s important not to abuse it and take it for granted.
Lead Recovery Center can help you through your addiction. If you are trying to recover from a harmful substance, Lead’s team of professionals can guide you through the process. Learn how to healthily manage stress, and head towards your happier life today. Call (800) 380-0012 for more information on how you can begin the road to healing today!
