Sazerac

Hey 'Just no gonnae do that' Jackie ! I've always loved that phrase of yours. Now you can live it. Just no donnae do that, Jackie. Just NO.

Hey Nikki, Congratulations on your first day of freedom. We are all cheering you on. I am glad you had a really good day. Do not be surprised or afraid of bad days, they are bound to crop up. Post your own response to any possible sos's you may encounter Here This helps us to know how to respond to any crisis and helps you articulate why you are quitting, what is important to you. I look forward to hearing about how day 2 goes for you. Welcome to your freedom, Nikki. S

You are a wise one Jo. One day at a time, one issue at a time...well that would be nice....ONE issue at a time. Ha Ha HA...on what planet would that be on ? Hang in there Jo, you have a splendid quit going. Stewie ? Calling S T E W I E ! I tell you, if I didn't have the BP cray to inspire me (force me) to quit caffeine I wouldn't have done it....certainly not cold turkey. It is gruesome. Tapering off seems a much kinder remedy.

Hi nikiki, glad you are with us. This post, 10 ways to Effectively Use This Forum may be helpful with navigating around the site. Congratulations on your quit !

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Day 10. Feeling Good. I think the gruesome part is over. Now, minor adjustments for innards and ignoring triggers (triggers are NOTHING as intense as nicotine, not even close). Truthfully, the first few days were v painful, headaches and belly cramps hit me at day 2/3 lasting a few days. Heating pads and Ibuprofen, very simple diet. OTC constipation/stool softener. I was a full on biotch (even had fun with that) I would have had to take time off from work (fetal position with heating pad). Thank you for all your support. Morning and teatime bevs now include: Herbal teas, Fresh Ginger slices in water (hot or cold) YUM. A squeeze of half lemon, teasp of honey, hot or cold water YUM Water Water Water Water Water Water I had to take immediate action due to Blood Pressure incident but, my recommendation would be to ease off caffeine (like Jo is planning) if you can. I copied this below from caffeine informer.com (bs site, charging you for de-tox kits but, had some good info) "Practical Examples: Coffee should be reduced by a 1/4 of a cup every two to three days. (This is difficult if you don’t make coffee at home.) Energy Drinks can be reduced by about 1/4 a can every two to three days. Soda can be reduced by cutting back a 1/2 a can every two to three days or by a 1/4 a bottle if drinking a 16 fl.oz. size. Tea can be reduced by cutting back 1/2 cup every two to three days. Pros: Withdrawal symptoms are much less severe or can be completely avoided. Most people can continue to function and be productive. Mild to no caffeine headache to deal with. Less shocking to the system. Cons: Can take longer to detox depending on the beginning daily dose amount. Requires tracking caffeine and being intentional about what’s being consumed and how much. 2. The Cold Turkey Method With this method, a person simply ceases to consume caffeine. While this can be the fastest way to detox, it does come with a price and a huge shock to your system. Pros: The fastest way to detox from caffeine. A realization of caffeine’s influence on body functioning. Cons: Can produce severe caffeine withdrawal symptoms. A person may be out of commission for 1 to 3 days or even weeks if the addiction was severe. Can lead to a loss of productivity. Prepare in advance for the cold turkey method! If you choose the cold turkey method it’s important that you know what to expect and to prepare in advance for the debilitating withdrawal symptoms that can follow. Plan ahead so that the first couple days of detox fall on a weekend or work holiday. Have pain relievers on hand and avoid driving. Have plenty of food on hand to avoid the need to drive anywhere for food. Prepare some meals in advance like soup or other easy to digest foods. Talk with family members about what you are about to do, what they can expect, and how they can help. Inform your co-workers and/or your boss about your caffeine detox.

The incessant interruptions of needing a smoke, the permeable stench, the constant mind-bending negotiations of when/where to smoke, NO ! NOPE ! Not for NOPEster, never more ! Life is grand with the slavery of nicotine addiction well behind you. Congratulations. Have a bite of rakfisk and slog of Glögi to celebrate, NOPEster.

No sky water for Sazerac but, a few blocks away were lucky. Thunder and lightening was a big fat tease and left me dry, baby. Left me dry.

Hello Nikki ! Congratulations on your decision to quit smoking, it is one you will never regret. Never/Ever. Please read Everything you can about nicotine addiction, it will help your resolve. I quit cold turkey too. Quit any way you can. Let us know how you are feeling, what helps you cope. Anyone reading will greatly appreciate your experience. Drink water. Feed yourself. Breathe intently. Commit to yourself and your quit. scream cry and stomp your feet. Do everything but smoke. You will succeed.

Hey, Sorry I missed all the fun with farting unicorns and the razor blades. Damn.... Thinking about you and looking under rocks. I may have left some innocents bleeding after my coffee detox this week. The one's maimed and killed during my nicotine free frenzy are compost by now. Forgive me for being a bossy britches but, go into town and reward yourself with tangerines and something special for you with all the ducats you have saved. Read this The Significance of Rewards Primal screaming helped me and may be your cuppa tea too..

Yay ! Congratulations on your eight months of freedom, Jo. Celebrate wildly.

I feel GREAT. Sometimes a vague slight headache and minor intestinal re-adjustments. Nothing to write home about. It was horribly rugged the first 4/5 ? days and I would recommend crawling under a rock for the de-tox but, damn....everything feels so much better and clearer, I am amazed. I am also taking my vitamins and getting added boosts. How are you PorkChop ? Really cranky, I would guess and maybe in a fetal position with a hot water bottle. Hang in there. Take your vitamins. Take walks to get innards moving. Remember this discomfort (ahem) is temporary. I'm sorry if you are hurting, it isn't a picnic, I know. It is worth it. S

Hey Give, You are learning new techniques in dealing with these situations. Techniques that will last a lifetime and be ever ready to assist you in any situation. I am so glad you are thinking ahead and protecting your beautiful, beautiful quit. Remember to take breaks from the mayhem. Walk away and clear your head. Breathe deep and slow. Stay hydrated and fed. If you have an urge remember HALT, pay attention to what your body needs. You know it isn't a smoke anymore. You don't smoke anymore ! Have a happy move. No doubt it will have it's stressful moments but, at the end of the day it will be a great accomplishment. Extra points for having a sos box of immediate essentials in sight at all times. Corkscrew, wine, water, band-aids, anti-b cream, peroxide, knife, extra keys, change of clothes, important papers, special treats ? You will know what to have in the sos box.

What splendid epiphanies, FarmGirl ! You don't smoke anymore. Ain't life grand !

I am on day 6 or 7. My innards have started to regulate themselves. Headache GONE. I feel markedly GOOD. I like this very very much. Also nice not friggin' stroking out. That would ruin anyone's day. Stewie ! There is light, lovely light at the end of the tunnel and it won't take too long, bebe. Hang in there my little pumpkin. My darling Pork Chop. My beloved Lad. Stay focused and be kind to yourself. S

I am grateful to all my teachers. Everyone I meet or see and every single person here has lessons for me. I need to pay attention and not miss anything. Thank you everybody. Sally

bump and a hello to Mel and Beacon too.

I am not shy about telling people they smell awful with cigarettes. I don't go up to strangers but, people I know I will certainly tell. Why should the truth be withheld ? To save someone's feelings while their obnoxious odor invades my nose ? Truth is just truth, it is not a judgement. pfffttttt.

Thinking of you, Pork Chop. Hope your belly and head are OK. I think this is my fifth day and the headache/cramps are subsiding with time and walks and heating pads. Yesterday, I had a Celebrex and was druggy happy nothing hurt at all. la la la la la la la. Today, nothing is hurting, poo-ing is getting better. I took laxatives and stool softener. Digestive tract issues and headache and IRRITABILITY are my main issues. I am relying on PeaceTrain's experience that everything is better without Caffeine. She does not lie. Hey Pork Chop ! You don't need no stinking caffeine anymore. Why just think of the beautiful temple, no SHRINE, your body is going to be clear of nicotine/caffeine/alcohol. Hang in there, bebe.

I maybe shouldn't be enjoying being a btich so much, Stewie. LOL. I have quit alcohol along with the cafe. You will be able to quit alcohol and caffeine, Stewie. You quit smoking and you are a powerful mf-er, you little pork chop you. I'm proud you are my buddy and look forward to your August blast off. Will you be able to take time away from work/family/friends ? No sudden moves and nobody gets hurt....ha ha ha ha ha. Quitting caffeine would be really hard if I had to be somebody....like go to an office or something.

Thank you so much, PeaceTrain. Your experience gives me hope and confidence. Health issues aside, I wasn't looking forward to feeling so much better after the detoxification but, now have something to look forward to. We'll have a toast, Peace...a glass of tonic for the spazzy old crank with the exploding head and something delicious for you....a homemade lemonade ? I'm on my fourth or fifth day. Cramps/headache are not as extreme. I am the biotch of the Universe.

I think cutting back is a brilliant idea, Jo. Personally, I have no moderation and it is too late what with the scary numbers. Watch out for aspirin with caffeine, soda, of course..even green tea....all sorts of other crap too. It is ubiquitous. I am as cranky as I was with cigarettes. The physical shit sucks and can last days, weeks, months (anecdotal evidence). Listless and so so so tired. Thank you for all your energy, I want you to know how much it means....how much it helps, really helps. You are a star. Here is a link to 'Caffeine Use Disorder: A Comprehensive Review and Research Agenda for all the science nerds. I'll post more as I find them. .

Hey SanDar, Your quit inspired my quit and many others I am sure. Thanks for all your posts and hope you celebrate wildly. S

From Healthline.com 9 Side Effects of Too Much Caffeine 1. Anxiety Caffeine is known to increase alertness. It works by blocking the effects of adenosine, a brain chemical that makes you feel tired. At the same time, it triggers the release of adrenaline, the “fight-or-flight” hormone associated with increased energy (8). However, at higher doses, these effects may become more pronounced, leading to anxiety and nervousness. In fact, caffeine-induced anxiety disorder is one of four caffeine-related syndromes listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), which is published by the American Psychiatric Association. Extremely high daily intakes of 1,000 mg or more per day have been reported to cause nervousness, jitteriness and similar symptoms in most people, whereas even a moderate intake may lead to similar effects in caffeine-sensitive individuals (9, 10). Additionally, modest doses have been shown to cause rapid breathing and increase stress levels when consumed in one sitting (11, 12). One study in 25 healthy men found that those who ingested approximately 300 mg of caffeine experienced more than double the stress of those who took a placebo. Interestingly, stress levels were similar between regular and less frequent caffeine consumers, suggesting the compound may have the same effect on stress levels regardless of whether you drink it habitually (12). Nevertheless, these results are preliminary. Coffee’s caffeine content is highly variable. For reference, a large (“grande”) coffee at Starbucks contains about 330 mg of caffeine. If you notice that you often feel nervous or jittery, it might be a good idea to look at your caffeine intake and cut it back. SUMMARY:Although low-to-moderate doses of caffeine can increase alertness, larger amounts may lead to anxiety or edginess. Monitor your own response in order to determine how much you can tolerate. 2. Insomnia Caffeine’s ability to help people stay awake is one of its most prized qualities. On the other hand, too much caffeine can make it difficult to get enough restorative sleep. Studies have found that higher caffeine intake appears to increase the amount of time it takes to fall asleep. It may also decrease total sleeping time, especially in the elderly (13, 14). By contrast, low or moderate amounts of caffeine don’t seem to affect sleep very much in people considered “good sleepers,” or even those with self-reported insomnia (15). You may not realize that too much caffeine is interfering with your sleep if you underestimate the amount of caffeine you’re taking in. Although coffee and tea are the most concentrated sources of caffeine, it is also found in soda, cocoa, energy drinks and several types of medication. For example, an energy shot may contain up to 350 mg of caffeine, while some energy drinks provide as much as a whopping 500 mg per can (16). Importantly, the amount of caffeine you can consume without affecting your sleep will depend on your genetics and other factors. In addition, caffeine consumed later in the day may interfere with sleep because its effects can take several hours to wear off. Research has shown that while caffeine remains in your system for an average of five hours, the time period may range from one and a half hours to nine hours, depending on the individual (17). One study investigated how the timing of caffeine ingestion affects sleep. Researchers gave 12 healthy adults 400 mg of caffeine either six hours before bedtime, three hours before bedtime or immediately prior to bedtime. Both the time it took all three groups to fall asleep and the time they spent awake at night increased significantly (18). These results suggest that it’s important to pay attention to both the amount and timing of caffeine to optimize your sleep. SUMMARY:Caffeine can help you stay awake during the day, but it may negatively impact your sleep quality and quantity. Cut off your caffeine consumption by the early afternoon to avoid sleeping problems. 3. Digestive Issues Many people find that a morning cup of coffee helps get their bowels moving. Coffee’s laxative effect has been attributed to the release of gastrin, a hormone the stomach produces that speeds up activity in the colon. What’s more, decaffeinated coffee has been shown to produce a similar response (19, 20, 21). However, caffeine itself also seems to stimulate bowel movements by increasing peristalsis, the contractions that move food through your digestive tract (21). Given this effect, it’s not surprising that large doses of caffeine may lead to loose stools or even diarrhea in some people. Although for many years coffee was believed to cause stomach ulcers, a large study of more than 8,000 people didn’t find any link between the two (22). On the other hand, some studies suggest that caffeinated beverages may worsen gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in some people. This seems to be especially true of coffee (23, 24, 25). In a small study, when five healthy adults drank caffeinated water, they experienced a relaxation of the muscle that keeps stomach contents from moving up into the throat — the hallmark of GERD (25). Since coffee can have major effects on digestive function, you may want to cut back on the amount you drink or switch to tea if you experience any issues. SUMMARY:Although small to moderate amounts of coffee can improve gut motility, larger dosages may lead to loose stools or GERD. Reducing your coffee intake or switching to tea may be beneficial. 4. Muscle Breakdown Rhabdomyolysis is a very serious condition in which damaged muscle fibers enter the bloodstream, leading to kidney failure and other problems. Common causes of rhabdomyolysis include trauma, infection, drug abuse, muscle strain and bites from poisonous snakes or insects. In addition, there have been several reports of rhabdomyolysis related to excessive caffeine intake, although this is relatively rare (26, 27, 28, 29). In one case, a woman developed nausea, vomiting and dark urine after drinking 32 ounces (1 liter) of coffee containing roughly 565 mg of caffeine. Fortunately, she recovered after being treated with medication and fluids (29). Importantly, this is a large dosage of caffeine to consume within a short period of time, especially for someone who isn’t used to it or is highly sensitive to its effects. In order to reduce the risk of rhabdomyolysis, it’s best to limit your intake to about 250 mg of caffeine per day, unless you’re used to consuming more. SUMMARY:People may develop rhabdomyolysis, or the breakdown of damaged muscle, after they ingest large amounts of caffeine. Limit your intake to 250 mg per day if you’re uncertain of your tolerance. 5. Addiction Despite all of caffeine’s health benefits, there’s no denying that it may become habit-forming. A detailed review suggests that although caffeine triggers certain brain chemicals similarly to the way cocaine and amphetamines do, it does not cause classic addiction the way these drugs do (30). However, it may lead to psychological or physical dependency, especially at high dosages. In one study, 16 people who typically consumed high, moderate or no caffeine took part in a word test after going without caffeine overnight. Only high caffeine users showed a bias for caffeine-related words and had strong caffeine cravings (31). Additionally, the frequency of caffeine intake seems to play a role in dependency. In another study, 213 caffeine users completed questionnaires after going 16 hours without consuming it. Daily users had greater increases in headaches, fatigue and other withdrawal symptoms than non-daily users (32). Even though the compound does not seem to cause true addiction, if you regularly drink a lot of coffee or other caffeinated beverages, there’s a very good chance you may become dependent on its effects. SUMMARY:Going without caffeine for several hours may lead to psychological or physical withdrawal symptoms in those who consume large amounts on a daily basis. 6. High Blood Pressure Overall, caffeine doesn’t seem to increase the risk of heart disease or stroke in most people. However, it has been shown to raise blood pressure in several studies due to its stimulatory effect on the nervous system (33, 34, 35, 36). Elevated blood pressure is a risk factor for heart attack and stroke because it may damage arteries over time, restricting the flow of blood to your heart and brain. Fortunately, caffeine’s effect on blood pressure seems to be temporary. Also, it seems to have the strongest impact on people who aren’t used to consuming it. High caffeine intake has also been shown to raise blood pressure during exercise in healthy people, as well as in those with mildly elevated blood pressure (37, 38). Therefore, paying attention to the dosage and timing of caffeine is important, especially if you already have high blood pressure. SUMMARY:Caffeine seems to raise blood pressure when consumed at high doses or prior to exercise, as well as in people who rarely consume it. But this effect may only be temporary, so it’s best to monitor your response. 7. Rapid Heart Rate The stimulatory effects of high caffeine intake may cause your heart to beat faster. It may also lead to altered heartbeat rhythm, called atrial fibrillation, which has been reported in young people who consumed energy drinks containing extremely high doses of caffeine (39). In one case study, a woman who took a massive dose of caffeine powder and tablets in an attempted suicide developed a very rapid heart rate, kidney failure and other serious health issues (40). However, this effect doesn’t seem to occur in everyone. Indeed, even some people with heart problems may be able to tolerate large amounts of caffeine without any adverse effects. In one controlled study, when 51 heart failure patients consumed 100 mg of caffeine per hour for five hours, their heart rates and rhythms remained normal (41). Regardless of the mixed study results, if you notice any changes in your heart rate or rhythm after drinking caffeinated beverages, consider decreasing your intake. SUMMARY:Large doses of caffeine may increase heart rate or rhythm in some people. These effects appear to vary greatly from person to person. If you feel them, consider reducing your intake. 8. Fatigue Coffee, tea and other caffeinated beverages are known to boost energy levels. However, they can also have the opposite effect by leading to rebound fatigue after the caffeine leaves your system. One review of 41 studies found that although caffeinated energy drinks increased alertness and improved mood for several hours, participants were often more tired than usual the following day (42). Of course, if you continue to drink lots of caffeine throughout the day, you can avoid the rebound effect. On the other hand, this may affect your ability to sleep. To maximize caffeine’s benefits on energy and avoid rebound fatigue, consume it in moderate rather than high doses. SUMMARY:Although caffeine provides energy, it can indirectly lead to fatigue when its effects wear off. Aim for moderate caffeine intake to help minimize rebound fatigue. 9. Frequent Urination and Urgency Increased urination is a common side effect of high caffeine intake due to the compound’s stimulatory effects on the bladder. You may have noticed that you need to urinate frequently when you drink more coffee or tea than usual. Most research looking at the compound’s effects on urinary frequency has focused on older people and those with overactive bladders or incontinence (43, 44, 45). In one study, 12 young to middle-aged people with overactive bladders who consumed 2 mg of caffeine per pound (4.5 mg per kilogram) of body weight daily experienced significant increases in urinary frequency and urgency (44). For someone weighing 150 pounds (58 kg), this would equate to about 300 mg of caffeine per day. In addition, high intake may increase the likelihood of developing incontinence in people with healthy bladders. One large study looked at the effects of high caffeine intake on incontinence in more than 65,000 women without incontinence. Those who consumed more than 450 mg daily had a significantly increased risk of incontinence, compared to those who consumed less than 150 mg per day (45). If you drink a lot of caffeinated beverages and feel that your urination is more frequent or urgent than it should be, it may be a good idea to cut back on your intake to see if your symptoms improve. SUMMARY:High caffeine intake has been linked to increased urinary frequency and urgency in several studies. Reducing your intake may improve these symptoms. The Bottom Line Light-to-moderate caffeine intake seems to provide impressive health benefits in many people. On the other hand, very high dosages may lead to side effects that interfere with day-to-day living and might even cause serious health issues. Although responses vary from person to person, the effects of high intake demonstrate that more isn’t necessarily better. To get the benefits of caffeine without undesirable effects, conduct an honest assessment of your sleep, energy levels and other factors that might be affected, and reduce your intake if needed. An evidence-based nutrition article from our experts at Authority Nutrition. FEEDBACK: Written by Franziska Spritzler, RD, CDE on August 14, 2017