How it works

Once the caffeine enters your bloodstream, it will take effect in about 15 minutes. Caffeine remains in the body for hours: to eliminate just half of the caffeine, it can take up to six hours. Caffeine stimulates the brain using the same mechanisms as both cocaine and heroin. While caffeine is much milder than these drugs, it is still addictive.

Side effects

In the short term, caffeine can increase your level of alertness (so if you’re about to fall asleep, caffeine can temporarily wake you up). It often serves as a mild diuretic (a diuretic is any substance that increases the frequency of urination, to make the body get rid of excess fluid). Some of the negative short term effects it can cause are: reduced fine motor coordination, insomnia, headaches, nervousness, and/or dizziness.

Long term effects

Some say that caffeine can create a physical dependence (meaning your body gets used to having caffeine in your blood stream). A way to tell if someone has become addicted to caffeine is to take away their cup of coffee, their Coke (or whatever else they drink to get their caffeine) and see if there are withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms can include everything from a headache to muscle pain to fatigue. It’s unclear how much caffeine needs to be consumed in order for there to be a physical dependence. While some say that it takes four cups of coffee a day, others argue that the number is higher.

Facts

• Caffeine may be the drug we consume the most. It’s everywhere—from coffee to tea to chocolate to some drugs and medications.
• Caffeine does not cancel out any effects of alcohol. Contrary to popular belief, having a cup (or two) of coffee after drinking does not sober you up, nor does it allow you to safely operate a car.
• Why do so many people wake up every morning and “need” that cup of coffee? After caffeine is eliminated from your system, many people start to feel fatigued and so they drink another cup of coffee to feel alert again.

(International Food Information Council)

Laws

Caffeine is legal in Canada. It can be found anywhere in a number of different foods, drinks and over the counter medications.

Where to go for help

For more information on caffeine, please talk to your family doctor or your school counselor. You can also check out the Health Canada website or the links below.

Links

Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
Neuroscience for Kids – Caffeine
Kids Health – Caffeine
How stuff Works – Caffeine