Caffeine

In its pure natural form it is a bitter, white crystalline alkaloid that acts as a stimulant drug and mild diuretic. It is found in coffee, tea, cocoa, soft drinks like cola, and energy drinks.

Desired Effects:

• Mild stimulation
• Alertness
• Reduces feelings of tiredness.

Side Effects:

• Sleeplessness
• Tension
• Palpitations
• Anxiousness.

Long term risks:

The non-problematic everyday use of caffeine is widespread, however excessive use can lead to tolerance and for some withdrawal symptoms, however, but these only last a day. Caffeine can exacerbate several mental health conditions although it might improve others.

Short term risks:

Insomnia, tolerance, overdose - an acute overdose of caffeine, usually in excess of about 300 milligrams, dependent on body weight and level of caffeine tolerance, can result in a state of central nervous system over-stimulation called caffeine intoxication ("caffeine jitters"). The symptoms of caffeine intoxication are similar to overdoses of other stimulants and may include restlessness, nervousness, excitement, insomnia, flushing of the face, increased urination, gastrointestinal disturbances, muscle twitching, irritability, irregular or rapid heartbeat. In cases of much larger overdoses mania, disorientation, hallucinations and psychosis can occur. In cases of extreme overdose, death can result. Achieving a lethal dose with caffeine would be difficult with regular coffee, but there have been reported deaths from overdosing on caffeine pills.

Central nervous system stimulant, diuretic.

Caffeine is mild stimulant drug. In its pure natural form caffeine is a bitter, white crystalline alkaloid that acts as a stimulant drug and mild diuretic.

Legal to grow, produce, supply, possess and use.

Usually drank in beverages, eaten as chocolate or swallowed as pills and potions.

Coffeepot for brewing coffee, teapot for brewing tea, sweeteners, milk

In pharmacy medicines to help relieve feelings of tiredness and fatigue, and may also be found in some diet pills.

Caffeine is a substance that occurs naturally in more than 60 plants that are grown in many parts of the world. Plants containing caffeine have been used for thousands of years and caffeine is still the world's most widely consumed psychoactive drug. It is found in coffee, tea, soft drinks like cola, energy drinks and chocolate. It is used in numerous medicines available without prescription from pharmacies. It is also used as a bulking agent for both legal and illegal stimulant drugs.

Some people do have serious problems with caffeine. Heavy coffee drinkers often report headaches and other withdrawal symptoms if they switch to decaffeinated versions. These are temporary and it is very rare, though not unknown, for coffee addicts suffering symptoms of 'caffeinism' to present at drug agencies. GPs may be able to support people who are suffering with headaches and other symptoms related to caffeine withdrawal, a refer to further support if required. Counselling agencies may be appropriate and have had clients reporting drinking large quantities - many litres daily - of cola drinks containing caffeine. Most areas of the UK have ‘street agencies’ or projects (sometimes called community drug services or community drug teams) which offer a range of services including information and advice, counselling, and sometimes support groups and complementary therapies such as acupuncture. Some services have extended working hours and may offer weekend support. If use of this substance becomes a problem you can seek help, advice and counselling from a service in your area. GPs can make referrals to specialist drug services.