Around the world, every morning millions of people reach for the world’s most popular ‘fix’ to help jump start their day. The hot bubbling kettle, the strong aroma from the mug, the first bitter taste of the morning. It's a ritual without which the working day would be, for millions of people, frankly unbearable. However, at what point does this daily ritual become an addiction? And is there really even a difference between coffee and other drugs? I never considered myself to be one of these so-called ‘addicts’. However, finals triggered my newfound dependency on America’s most popular drug. I found myself itching for a hit of caffeine almost every couple hours, not just craving it, but needing it to function properly. By the end of the week, my blood was saturated with caffeine. So my first week home was where my detox began. I found my physical, psychological, and emotional limits tested when I decided to quit coffee cold-turkey. So here’s a day-by-day look at what happened when I quit coffee (for a week).
Day 1: Withdrawals are a real thing.
The throbbing migraine that hit me like a semi-truck was truly a test of my will. No amount of Advil could save me from the overwhelming pounding in my head.
Day 2: Naps became my saving grace.
In an attempt to quit my caffeine addiction, I developed a new one. Naps were now essential to my survival.
Day 3: Irritability is a b*tch.
I’m just sorry to anyone who saw me on this day.
Day 4: Instant regret.
The persistent exhaustion was wearing me down and causing me to rethink almost all my life choices up to this point.
Day 5: Seeing the light at the end of the caffeine-free tunnel.
My tiredness began to subside and I found myself actually able to function. I felt the promise of a caffeine-free tomorrow.
Day 6: Feeling like a strong independent woman.
My confidence really peaked when I realized that I didn’t need to depend on my good friend Java to be happy in life.
Day 7: Relapse.
Because let’s face it, when the going gets tough, the tough drink coffee.
