Caffeine is a compound naturally present in food items like coffee, tea leaves, and cocoa. It is also commonly used in the manufacture of products like soda, medications, and supplements. The FDA reports that nearly 80% of American adults consume caffeine daily. Caffeine causes chemical changes in the body. It blocks the binding of the adenosine molecules on its receptor. This generates a sense of alertness and energy.
Dopamine also works more effectively when adenosine receptors are blocked. Neurons grow more adenosine receptors to counter this effect. This explains why chronic coffee drinkers develop tolerance to caffeine. It takes more caffeine to block the inflated quantity of receptors and achieve the same stimulant effect. This explains why withdrawal from caffeine can trigger so many withdrawal symptoms. Some of these symptoms are:
