Has anyone ever been able to successfully quit caffeine?

[Deleted member 17643]

And have you noticed any improvements to your life?

My neurologist recommended I stop all caffeine intake, due to my migraines, and occasionally I try to listen to him. The thing is, I see no improvements to anything. I just feel tired ALL THE TIME. I've been off caffeine for three weeks now, long enough to be past the withdrawal symptoms, and I never feel good. When I regularly take a caffeine pill daily (200mg) I feel excellent. In fact I find caffeine to be the best "antidepressant" there is (outside of testosterone replacement therapy, but that's another thread). My mood is genuinely improved for the entire day off a mere 200mg when I wake up. I don't notice an increase in rebound headaches either... I actually find it helps with the smaller headaches (that can turn into migraines). I keep a journal and in these three weeks off caffeine I saw zero decrease in headache frequency.

Also I'm a powerlifter, and I've noticed a MASSIVE difference when I go into the gym with a little caffeine in my system. My lifts are all more explosive and rest periods are shorter. It's a gargantuan increase in performance.

I'm not sure what to do here because I see nothing but benefits from a rather small amount. I never felt addicted, I never felt an increase in headaches, I never felt anything negative at all.

It would be irresponsible not to mention the severity of my headaches. I get at least 25 migraines a month, and I'm seeing one of the top headache specialists in California. Obviously I want to listen to my doctor.

 

[nsilvias]

i use to drink coffee everyday when i worked at a coffee shop and not just reg coffee im talking about espresso shots and all that.
not being able to afford them when i couldnt get them free anymore when i quit set me straight

 

[Deleted member 2802]

☕ 🍵

 

[Mechaplum]

Swapped to non caffeinated tea and never looked back. Used to drink at least two cups of espresso a day, it being mandatory in Melbourne and all.

 

[Walter White Walker]

Yes, I don't drink it except whatever tiny amount may be left in decaffeinated tea. I quit because I have high blood pressure and my doctor said caffeine increases that by a bit so time to drop that habit.
I don't need it and don't feel tired not having it.

 

[ZeroDS]

Im pretty sure I'll be buried with my tea mug at this rate

 

[Serif]

Try magnesium supplements like Natural Calm. I take upwards of 900mg of caffeine per day in the form of tea and supplements and have had no migraines or headaches.

 

[BDS]

I did last year and I sleep better.

 

[scottbeowulf]

I stopped cold turkey years ago because I would get really bad headaches and was drinking way too much (5+ cups a day). It took at least a month to stop getting those damn headaches. But after that I felt allot better. I slept better too. I was totally off any caffeine for a few years then slowly started drinking coffee again. Now I'll have one every few days and it doesn't bother me anymore.

 

[Tzarscream]

I've taken some breaks now and then and made an effort to dial it back when I was having 1-2 coffee's per day, but I don't want to quit caffeine because I like the taste of Coffee and black Tea too much =/

 

[Dennis8K]

Yes! Many times!

 

[El Bombastico]

Yep. The first few days is hell due to the withdrawal headaches.

 

[DvdGzz]

Not a chance. It's the best supplement. Just take it down a notch and keep it away from bed time.

 

[ToddBonzalez]

I'm definitely dependent on caffeine at this point. I feel like shit physically if I go a day without it. Need to ween myself off.

 

[TaySan]

Not yet sadly, i drink at least 3 cans of soda a day and slow trying to stop it, but it's not easy if you have been drinking it since childhood.

 

[RatskyWatsky]

I used to drink like a 6 pack of Mountain Dew a day when I was in my early teens because I was super addicted to sugar and caffeine. One day (after running out of money lol) I decided to quit cold turkey and I've haven't drank anything with caffeine since!

 

[Jest]

And have you noticed any improvements to your life?

My neurologist recommended I stop all caffeine intake, due to my migraines, and occasionally I try to listen to him. The thing is, I see no improvements to anything. I just feel tired ALL THE TIME. I've been off caffeine for three weeks now, long enough to be past the withdrawal symptoms, and I never feel good. When I regularly take a caffeine pill daily (200mg) I feel excellent. In fact I find caffeine to be the best "antidepressant" there is (outside of testosterone replacement therapy, but that's another thread). My mood is genuinely improved for the entire day off a mere 200mg when I wake up. I don't notice an increase in rebound headaches either... I actually find it helps with the smaller headaches (that can turn into migraines). I keep a journal and in these three weeks off caffeine I saw zero decrease in headache frequency.

Also I'm a powerlifter, and I've noticed a MASSIVE difference when I go into the gym with a little caffeine in my system. My lifts are all more explosive and rest periods are shorter. It's a gargantuan increase in performance.

I'm not sure what to do here because I see nothing but benefits from a rather small amount. I never felt addicted, I never felt an increase in headaches, I never felt anything negative at all.

It would be irresponsible not to mention the severity of my headaches. I get at least 25 migraines a month, and I'm seeing one of the top headache specialists in California. Obviously I want to listen to my doctor.

Click to shrink...

I'm no doctor but I don't think you're completely adjusted to being off caffeine yet. You may be past the worst withdrawals but if you're still feeling sluggish and tired then I'd think you're not fully past it all yet.

 

[Wubby]

Yes I largely stay away from caffeine, alcohol, nicotine and the like. Rooibos tea is a good non-caffeinated choice. It's good hot or cold. I feel healthy and never feel like I need any kind of pick me up in the morning like some coffee and monster addicted people I know.

 

[JeTmAn]

It took me more than a month to get out of that sluggish cycle induced by regular high amounts of caffeine. I switched to decaf coffee (still some caffeine, but maybe 10% of regular coffee) and I don't miss the caffeine any more. I still have it sometimes with soft drinks that are unavailable without caffeine, but I don't miss full caff coffee. No thanks.

 

[CognitiveAtrophy]

I cut out caffeine entirely when I started being jolted out of rem sleep by heart palpitations.

Other than a slight headache for a couple of days after going cold turkey I haven't experienced any side effects like diminished energy. If anything I'm more alert as the quality of my sleep has improved markedly.

 

[jotun?]

I could, but I don't want to

 

[Piscus]

You need a month off for every year you were on to truly feel free of it. Three weeks is a great start, but don't lose your drive already if things aren't 100% better yet. You still have a ways to go.

 

[Avitus]

It takes quite a long time for receptors to reset after years of use.

 

[Joshua]

And have you noticed any improvements to your life?

My neurologist recommended I stop all caffeine intake, due to my migraines, and occasionally I try to listen to him. The thing is, I see no improvements to anything. I just feel tired ALL THE TIME. I've been off caffeine for three weeks now, long enough to be past the withdrawal symptoms, and I never feel good. When I regularly take a caffeine pill daily (200mg) I feel excellent. In fact I find caffeine to be the best "antidepressant" there is (outside of testosterone replacement therapy, but that's another thread). My mood is genuinely improved for the entire day off a mere 200mg when I wake up. I don't notice an increase in rebound headaches either... I actually find it helps with the smaller headaches (that can turn into migraines). I keep a journal and in these three weeks off caffeine I saw zero decrease in headache frequency.

Also I'm a powerlifter, and I've noticed a MASSIVE difference when I go into the gym with a little caffeine in my system. My lifts are all more explosive and rest periods are shorter. It's a gargantuan increase in performance.

I'm not sure what to do here because I see nothing but benefits from a rather small amount. I never felt addicted, I never felt an increase in headaches, I never felt anything negative at all.

It would be irresponsible not to mention the severity of my headaches. I get at least 25 migraines a month, and I'm seeing one of the top headache specialists in California. Obviously I want to listen to my doctor.

Click to shrink...

I've quit a lot of times now but generally end up hooked again. Sometimes I've managed to stay away for 9+ months. I'm actually weening down right now to give it another go - in the past I've generally done cold turkey.

A few things I can tell you:

• At 3 weeks you aren't done yet - I generally see it takes 6-8 weeks months before you are fully clear but you are at least through the worst of the physical withdrawal symptoms
• I generally see a decrease in headaches after I get thru most intense part of withdrawals, but caffeine withdrawal headaches are the WORST
• I notice that I start to wake up earlier, without use of alarm clock
• If you start up again prepare to see caffeine give you a bigger jolt, as your body has reset some of the tolerance you built up over time

/just my 2 cents

 

[data west]

I've quit multiple times but always came back.

I permanently quit about 3 years ago. I used to drink like 8 soda cans a day. The thing is the 2-3 week is exactly WHEN you start getting the headaches. It usually takes about a month for them to stop then you'll never get them again. You don't get some sudden increased amount of energy because you quit, but you feel less like you're dead without it. You need to make sure your fat and/or carb intake is solid if you're looking for energy throughout the day. It should also lead you to drinking more water in general if you're not drinking soda/tea/coffee

You don't even think about it once you're clean

 

[joecanada]

I'm no doctor but I don't think you're completely adjusted to being off caffeine yet. You may be past the worst withdrawals but if you're still feeling sluggish and tired then I'd think you're not fully past it all yet.

Click to shrink...

Yeah I'll second that. There's no way caffeine should give you that big of a boost . You didn't happen to quit TRT at the same time did you? Because I have terrible news if so

 

[Deleted member 17643]

Yeah I'll second that. There's no way caffeine should give you that big of a boost . You didn't happen to quit TRT at the same time did you? Because I have terrible news if so

Click to shrink...

No I'm still on TRT, and I'm well aware of the effects of coming off it.

Interesting you guys think I just need more time. I have a pretty important decision to make then... this upcoming week I'm going for single rep PRs (personal record) on all my lifts and was considering hopping back on caffeine for that extra boost.

 

[joecanada]

No I'm still on TRT, and I'm well aware of the effects of coming off it.

Interesting you guys think I just need more time. I have a pretty important decision to make then... this upcoming week I'm going for single rep PRs (personal record) on all my lifts and was considering hopping back on caffeine for that extra boost.

Click to shrink...

Well it depends how important that is like you could wean yourself down to one day a week caffeine for heaviest lifts only but you are putting yourself backwards a bit. With good sleep and nutrition I feel you can hit that pb.... I think alot of it is psychological too trust me that caffeine isn't as important for your muscles as it is for your mental state which you can affect in other ways . The alertness is great for sure but caffeine won't help you lift.

I say this as a massive hypocrite who is in the exact boat as you but only with migraines where my vision blurs maybe once per month so no complaints . Trying to quit caffeine for years now holidays always bring me back in

 

[Breakfast Boy]

Yes I did about 7 years ago. Was 27 at the time. Took two weeks off of work and laid in bed in complete agony. It took another two years for the migraines to go away, but I have been caffeine free ever since.

I recommend eating a bunch of fruit when you get caffeine cravings. Remember caffeine is a drug and you've probably been drinking it ever since you were a kid. Your body only knows of it than not of it.

I wouldn't recommend doing it if you're not gonna be committed. Everyday for two years was difficult. Even today, seven years later, I crave it. Right now as I'm writing I'm drooling of cherry coke or a coffee.

 

[terrible]

I think my sleep improves when I don't have coffee but like the OP I'm just tired all day if I don't have any coffee. It's miserable.

 

[BasilZero]

I havent drank any coffee/tea in over 10 years.


Stopped drinking Soda too.


Its very helpful especially since you don't need to depend on something like it (along with that the junk that comes with the drinks - carbs, high sugar, etc).



I just drink water and milk nowadays.

 

[Amiablepercy]

I don't drink coffee but I do like a soda once in awhile. I weened myself off normal diet coke onto Caffeine free Coke Zero and then I weened myself off soda in general. Now I drink lemon water and some caffeine free Arizona green tea zero.

 

[gillian03]

I'm a caffeine addict.

Stopped cold-turkey a month ago. No caffeine, no added sugar, and no dairy. I still eat fresh fruits though, so I'm not completely without sugar.

For the first few days, I found myself unable to keep it together. I felt so many negative emotions - fear, anger, isolation, longing, regret, you name it. And I couldn't sleep for about a week because of my mind drifting and lingering towards these thoughts. I often called my mom and had her listen to my voice while I describe my pain and agony. All while I was sobbing flat on the kitchen floor. Also - the headaches were pretty excruciating. I've never felt headaches like these before.

But after about a week and a half, my body started adjusting, and now I sleep like a baby. I feel stable. I can stay focused on my tasks for prolonged periods. I feel that I don't become tired as easily. Somehow, I feel less jittery - like my body responds accordingly to surprising events without having to resort to a fight-or-flight reaction. And since I train and play for a volleyball club, I also feel as if my body is less sensitive to muscle pain. Not to mention - my body started using fat stores for energy (I think?). I lost a couple kilos of weight already. :)

I know I still feel the substance calling me. So I'm not done yet. But I feel strong, and I can certainly overcome my dependency for caffeine. It might be a few months until I absolutely know for sure. I'm happy to go through this experience though. I know it'll be worth it in the end. And also - not buying coffee will save me lots of money in the long run.

 

[It’s Time To Go]

No but I have stopped drinking it after half 6 in the evening.

 

[Deleted member 203]

I must be weird because I never feel like caffeine affects me much at all unless I have like a quadruple espresso, and then it's mostly just palpitations. I used to drink 2-3 coffees a day regularly, but it was more habit than anything else. I quit caffeine entirely for a while and felt no different at all. Sometimes when I'm tired at work I'll have a cup but I never really notice any effect other than maybe the downside of feeling MORE tired like an hour later. Never experienced a sugar rush or anything like that either. Maybe my body just reacts differently, idk.

 

[H.Protagonist]

I've done it 3x for almost a year each. It's not bad at all. You get used to it and you sleep better. You need to replace the motion with something else like decaf coffee/tea or an apple (crunching on these are better than a cup of coffee for stimulating your brain apparently), etc. to ease you into it. Find other ways to 'energize' yourself like a spot of 10 min yoga or stretching to start the day, too.

 

[Thuddert]

Cut it down a ton by not drinking soda anymore, switching from black tea to green tea and rooibos.

Stopped taking my tea with sugar as well.

 

[hjort]

I ruined my body with excessive amounts of coffee for a long time (like I'd drink a whole pot instead of a cup or two), but these days I'm fine with just drinking a mug of tea a day. Could possibly give that up as well, but I quite like the routine that I've built up around my tea drinking.


This was basically me. Except with worse drum playing and more instances of nearly shitting myself.

 

[BobbeMalle]

Im used to 2-3 cups a day: 1 for breakfast, 1 mid-morning and 1 after launch
I'm always thinking about quitting

 

[Deleted member 48434]

I can quit whenever I want to!
*Sips third cup of coffee*

 

[SABO.]

I really dont see an issue with a coffee in the morning but I'm Turkish and caffeinated beverages constantly run through our veins; black tea and turkish coffee

 

[BobbeMalle]

I really dont see an issue with a coffee in the morning but I'm Turkish and caffeinated beverages constantly run through our veins; black tea and turkish coffee

Click to shrink...

Boy do i love turkish culture! i've been there a couple of times for work; i adore the way you make coffee :)

 

[WildZero]

I just never started in the first place - I could never get past the horrible taste/smell...

 

[Deleted member 17643]

Well it depends how important that is like you could wean yourself down to one day a week caffeine for heaviest lifts only but you are putting yourself backwards a bit. With good sleep and nutrition I feel you can hit that pb.... I think alot of it is psychological too trust me that caffeine isn't as important for your muscles as it is for your mental state which you can affect in other ways . The alertness is great for sure but caffeine won't help you lift.

I say this as a massive hypocrite who is in the exact boat as you but only with migraines where my vision blurs maybe once per month so no complaints . Trying to quit caffeine for years now holidays always bring me back in

Click to shrink...

Yeah I'm sure a lot of it is in my head. Knowing I have that "boost" from caffeine likely changes my attitude.

 

[Torpedo Vegas]

I quit soda, but I'm not giving up my coffee or tea.

 

[Petruccis Biceps]

I havent drank caffeine regularly in like 7 years. There are occasions where I'll have an iced tea or something but extremely rare. I thought back then that it was affecting my sleep so I just cut it out. Haven't looked back.

 

[Deleted member 19533]

Dropped it completely without issue. Probably about a year and a half ago.

 

[BobbeMalle]

First day without caffeine today

 

[KayonXaikyre]

Yeah I used to bang back several cans of monster a day until I went to the hospital one day because at some point I became caffeine sensitive like the other people in my family so I had to basically stop cold turkey. I've been without it for like... 10 years now or so I do miss it and had to change my lifestyle up to all decaffeinated sodas and eliminating a lot of other stuff. The big thing was energy. I had to basically just get all the energy I need in a day without any kind of help so proper sleeping and just kind of growing out of being dependent on it is what got me there. I never cheated on it and I never had it other than some accidents where something had caffeine in it and I didn't know it. I want to go to my doctor and talk to them about if there's some way I can have it again though safely just because some things have nice taste that I like. I was really sad when they discontinued caffeine free monster because I just like the flavor of it.

You just have to find alternative drinks and things that give you that feel and just replace the energy with better eating and sleep lol.

 

[Sunster]

if i don't have it i simply won't be awake. the medication i take causes drowsiness. #mystruggle