I've always done my best to avoid caffeine whenever possible as I've always held an unsubstantiated personal view that having to jump-start my systems each morning was bad. I've never in my life consumed a cup of coffee (including college) and avoid other mediums of delivery (soda, etc) as much as possible. It was also a banned substance (at levels brought on by 3+ cups) when I was on drug testing so I just took that as yet another reason to stay away.

So anyway...I just finished having a conversation with some co-workers (all non-athletic) about it and found some of their views interesting. So I was wondering if the views of many of you who are aiming at "healthy lifestyles" (trust me...these people are not!) but who still include daily "fixes" of caffeine were similar. I'm not talking about the occassional cup here or there (I liken that to the occassional alcoholic drink)...but the "I need my coffee/soda/etc each morning" types. Is it that you just don't feel it's bad for you (note: I am NOT saying I know it to be)? Or a necessary evil to survive the daily grind that you'd like to live without but know you can't? Or do you believe it to be a possitive addition as opposed to negative? Or something else?

I'd really just like to see what some of you are thinking...that's all. No judgements or anything like that...just interested in some differing views if any of you care to share yours.

Hi there,

I consider myself a caffeine junkie of note, however, suprisingly I dont drink it first thing in the morning as it makes me feel very ill first thing. But once I have eaten and had my supps and vits etc then I dont hold back.

I do however try to reduce my caffeine intake towards the later part of the day. I figure that my whole life is so damn healthy I am allowed this one vice. :tu::tu:

I drink 2-3 relatively large cups of coffee almost every weekday morning. On weekends, I home-grind Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee and make a cup or two Sat/Sun morning. You could say I'm caffeine addicted, but I can also go without it if needs be. I don't live and die by caffeine and I'm not one of those coffee drinkers who'll get headaches in the morning if I don't have my coffee.

I drink it straight black and I've always considered it a thermogenic of sorts. Caffeine makes the metabolism less-efficient, meaning your body burns a few more calories to do what it normally does in the presence of caffeine than it would without.

Beyond that, I just like the taste of a well-brewed, strong cup of coffee, and we have rather exceptional coffee at my office. I've been a coffee drinker since early childhood, so it's always been in my diet. I've never found it to be a hindrance as long as you're not adding a pound of sugar and half a thing of creamer in each cup.

-R

I overdosed on caffeine once through university (3 large cups, plus a bag of chocolate covered coffee beans, in about 2 hours, which resulted in restless sleep, jitters, and stomach cramps for about two days afterwards). I seem to be a lot more sensitive to it now, so I try to be a little more careful. I try not to drink coffee after 3:00, and I buy my diet Coke Caffeine Free. If I don't do this, I find I don't sleep as well.

I've really gotten to enjoy the taste of coffee, especially if I'm restricting other food items in my diet. I like drinking coffee in the morning, and I find that if I'm under stress, I immediately crave chocolate or coffee. (If I have a long drive to make which requires being on busy highways, I have to stop at a Starbucks when I reach my destination.) Oddly enough, decaffeinated coffee seems to alleviate that stress, so a big part of that craving is psychological, and just for the taste of it. I try to substitute tea once in a while, but I just don't like the taste any more.

I don't consider coffee to be either bad for you or good for you. I've read about some benefits of caffeine from more than a handful of health experts, but I've read some cautions about it as well.

I'm not one who has to have caffeine to get started with my day. However, I drink diet drinks with caffeine and use the occasional energy drink or caffeine pill during long drives to keep me focused.

I will also occasionally take a caffeine pill pre-workout on rare occasions that I might feel the "need".

Caffeine isn't an evil drug IMO, and there are benefits even seen in training. Some studies have shown that in untrained people, caffeine can even reduce DOMS. I suspect some of those type benefits might go away once you develop a tolerance, though.

Also, coffee actually includes some pretty healthy antioxidants. I don't like it, though :) Everybody knows the same is true of teas.

Caffeine of course is also possibly able to help stimulate the metabolism to some degree. See the popularity of the ECA stack.

What you want to avoid is adrenal fatigue that consistent high doses of caffeine might contribute to.

EDIT: A quick google found this (http://www.muscletalk.co.uk/article-caffeine-bodybuilding.aspx). I've read better in depth write ups, but it hits a lot of the points I've read elsewhere.

I bet my caffeine intake is off the charts!!

After breakfast I drink a cup of Green Tea and then a Xyience CranRaz and have no idea how much caffeine is in that.

In the afternoon around 2ish I have a sugar/lowcarb/zero carb energy drink by full throttle or monster.

When I hit the gym about 730ish I will have a redline or speed stack.

I am sure this is over kill and being a high strung person to begin with it’s a hell of an added boost.

If anyone would like to chastise me about the adverse effects I’m open to listening LOL :lol:

I find that if I'm under stress, I immediately crave chocolate or coffee

guava-- one of my co-workers said this one too and it's one of the ones I found really interesting. Wonder if anyone has ever studied this connection

If anyone would like to chastise me about the adverse effects I’m open to listening LOL

jason-- like I said...I didn't start this thread to pass judgements...just to get some insight. But I will ask...do you think what you're doing is HEALTHY? Assuming you do (or assuming you think it is at least not unhealthy)...great. But if you don't think it is healthy...doesn't it seem sort of weird that you do so much work to live healthy but then have no issues with the unhealthy aspects you've come to love? Wouldn't that be like the overweight man refusing to stop eating bad even though he knows it isn't healthy (but loves his food!) or the alcoholic refusing to stop drinking every night? Again...not trying to pass judgement at all...but rather understand how some other people think.

I figure that my whole life is so damn healthy I am allowed this one vice

Jokat -- This is the one I expected to hear most often here..no issues with that!

I probably drink too much coffee. My weekday routine is as follows:

Grind and brew a pot of coffee in my Bunn

Have a 6-8oz cup w/ breakfast. But the rest of the pot in my thermos and my travel mug.

Get in my truck with a 12oz travel mug. Drink said mug over the 50 minutes it takes me to get to work/gym. A lot of times, I don't finish it all.

When I get to work and sit at my desk, I pour my first cup from my thermos.

After lunch, 2nd cup.

Around 3pm, I finish off the thermos.


So I pretty much drink a pot of coffee a day, on weekends I have about half as much. I sleep just fine (I rarely lay in bed for more than 5 minutes) for 7-8 hours a day. I used to get coffee headaches a long time ago, but haven't in a long time.

I've been drinking coffee since I was five when my old neighbor would give me half coffee, half milk. Once I got to college, I switched to black and haven't looked back. I really love the smell and flavor of good coffee, and I'm a bit of a coffee snob (my coworkers think i'm crazy for bringing my own coffee in when I could drink the office (crap) coffee for free).

As far as health goes, I don't think it's too adverse. There are always studies out there coming out on both sides of the issue. If anything, I might cut back because caffeine really doesn't affect me. I could have a cup an hour or two before bed, and I could still sleep. I mainly drink it out of habit (and cuz I love it).

I mainly drink it out of habit (and cuz I love it)

rapp -- another of the ones given by a co-worker. Assuming you don't think it's bad for you (which you don't so that's great)...this works! But this guy made the exact statement...while admitting he didn't think it was healthy to do though. Made me think of the overweight man or alcoholic I referred to in my last post.

I am additcted to coffee/caffeine and I found the difficulties quitting caffeine similiar to quitting cigarettes, speaking for myself--only. Right now I am about one week without coffee, substituting green tea and an occasional excedrin to relieve the headache, from past experience, I will have to suffer for another week or so. I would still be drinking coffee, if I did not have to have cream and sugar in it, as I cannot drink it black.

I have heard the caffeine produces the fight or flight hormone, and being new to fitness, I am unsure how it helps fitness levels. Caffeine, does however affect the chemicals of the brain similiar to heroin but at much lower levels, so I have read.

Anyway, speaking for myself, I have an addictive personality; therefore, I am trying to stay away from it for now, while I get into shape.

P/S My first post:D

I drink coffee for the buzz, and nothing else. I do fine without it too. I drink a 12 oz coffee every morning when I get to work, but on the weekends at home I don't drink any coffee. I guess it's a pain to brew it and at work it's already brewed for me when I arrive.

guava-- one of my co-workers said this one too and it's one of the ones I found really interesting. Wonder if anyone has ever studied this connection
When I'm tense and jittery, I crave stimulants. :confused: I'm not really sure how that works. I believe stimulants are the preferred treatment for ADHD, so that might make some sense somehow. And maybe it's calmed me down often enough that now the placebo effect from thinking I'm getting a stimulant is enough to calm me down.

P/S My first post:D

And in a tread I started...I'm honored :o
Let me be the first to welcome you!

When I'm tense and jittery, I crave stimulants. :confused: I'm not really sure how that works. I believe stimulants are the preferred treatment for ADHD, so that might make some sense somehow. And maybe it's calmed me down often enough that now the placebo effect from thinking I'm getting a stimulant is enough to calm me down.

This is what made it so interesting to me. Personally...when I am tense...I crave something like alcohol to reverse the tension (see why I don't pass judgement on others :D). I find it's really interesting that some people find the exact opposite to be the solution. But if they do see coffee as a way to relieve stress...I completely understand them hitting the pot (the coffee pot that is) despite any negatives they may perceive to exist!

jason-- like I said...I didn't start this thread to pass judgements...just to get some insight. But I will ask...do you think what you're doing is HEALTHY? Assuming you do (or assuming you think it is at least not unhealthy)...great. But if you don't think it is healthy...doesn't it seem sort of weird that you do so much work to live healthy but then have no issues with the unhealthy aspects you've come to love? Wouldn't that be like the overweight man refusing to stop eating bad even though he knows it isn't healthy (but loves his food!) or the alcoholic refusing to stop drinking every night? Again...not trying to pass judgement at all...but rather understand how some other people think.

I think most of the research has said for most people, caffeine isn't bad for you, and it does have some potential benefits. Obviously like any other drug, moderation is important, and if it causes problems with sleep, etc, avoid it.

You do seem to be under the belief that it's bad as indicated in your comments. I do not believe it is inherently bad for you.

I think like the anti-fat hype of the 80s/90s, it has become assumed by the average person to be evil and they are given a minor guilt complex about it. In my reading, I have seen little speaking to long term health risks from moderate consumption, and in fact there are lots of good things coming from consumption of substances that carry it in nature (coffee, tea, cocoa, etc). Most are high in antioxidants.

I think most of the research has said for most people, caffeine isn't bad for you, and it does have some potential benefits. Obviously like any other drug, moderation is important, and if it causes problems with sleep, etc, avoid it.

You do seem to be under the belief that it's bad as indicated in your comments. I do not believe it is inherently bad for you.

I think like the anti-fat hype of the 80s/90s, it has become assumed by the average person to be evil and they are given a minor guilt complex about it. In my reading, I have seen little speaking to long term health risks from moderate consumption, and in fact there are lots of good things coming from consumption of substances that carry it in nature (coffee, tea, cocoa, etc). Most are high in antioxidants.

My original posting was really focused toward those who don't practice said moderation techniques...not really about caffeine in general. I don't personally view caffeine as bad in small doses...but people seem wide open on where they personally define "excess" to begin. I'm sure I do draw the line at a much lower limit than most. But irrespective...what I was interested in was out of those who admit to being above where they would draw the line themselves...why do they feel comfortable with this negative vs the others they have cut out to be "healthy". It just seems like the socially acceptable "negatives" tend to be more easily ignored by most (ex excessive caffine)...than the not so socially accepted (ex overweight/alcoholic/etc)...despite both categories being unhealthy.

I guess my point is that what many might think is bad isn't necessarily bad, but like many other things, it's been over-hyped as an evil vice.

I'm a recovering hard core coffee drinker. I went cold turkey for about two years. It took awhile to get over the morning headaches. Now I'm back on coffee in a much more limited way. Three cups a day. That's it. No more. OTOH my coffee tends to be pretty strong :lol:

Why do I drink coffee? I like the taste. Always have. When I was drinking it heavily I would wake up with withdrawal [the headaches].

I guess my point is that what many might think is bad isn't necessarily bad, but like many other things, it's been over-hyped as an evil vice.

I see your point...but mine is...assuming you DO see your own consumption of caffeine to be at a level that is bad (regardless of whether it is or not...or whether others would see it as bad or not)...why doesn't this bother you as much as say your overeating or overdrinking habits which you're willing to try so hard to cut out?. (not you personally...you being anyone willing to respond)

I can certainly see several reasons...some of which have already been mentioned. Just was wondering what some of these people's thought-process is...that's all. Not passing judgement...as I personally "ignore" several vices of my own and also am far from qualified to make an assessment as to whether caffeine...even in excess...is actually in fact even bad!

Why do I drink coffee? I like the taste. Always have. When I was drinking it heavily I would wake up with withdrawal [the headaches].

Based on your previous experience of going cold turkey...it seems like you were one of the ones who decided you DID think your consumption levels were bad enough to change. But you still like the taste (can't comment on that...like I said...never tried it) so you still drink it in limited amounts. Awesome! So you are one of the ones who decided it IS as bad as the other "negatives" and thus made the change...just seems like you may be one of the select few!:)!

It just seems like the socially acceptable "negatives" tend to be more easily ignored by most (ex excessive caffine)...than the not so socially accepted (ex overweight/alcoholic/etc)...despite both categories being unhealthy.
Are you thinking of a specific negative that you read about somewhere?
I don't recall reading any conclusive positive or negative side effects from the intake of caffeine.

Maybe it's more socially accepted because the general consensus is that it's not that big of a health risk. Doctors weigh you, and sometimes will ask about how much you drink alcohol and smoke, but I don't think they ask how much coffee you drink simply because they don't consider it to be as risky as those other factors. (That doesn't mean I'm denying that it's risky, it just means that I can't think of anything that proves that it is.)

Actually, I think artificial sweeteners might fall under the same category that you're thinking of. Which leads me to another thought: Caffeine consumption, as opposed to alcohol, has no negative impact on body composition that I can think of, and that could be an overwhelmingly more important interest of the people who are responding to this thread.

Are you thinking of a specific negative that you read about somewhere?

I'm not really focusing on any negative in particular...as much as what makes some people "just do it anyway" despite themselves feeling there is indeed a negative. So I'm not nearly as interested in whether there is one or isn't one...as in why so many people who claim to be trying to get healthy seem to have no issues with more socially acceptable "unhealthies" that identify in their lifestyle.

I just see so many people who are "in great shape" but intaking massive amounts of caffeine. Knowing that at least a good portion of society views excessive caffeine as "unhealthy"...just seemed like several of these "in shape" people would too. So I was just interested in why someone like this...who worked so hard to clean up other aspects...would be fine with this one.


Actually, I think artificial sweeteners might fall under the same category that you're thinking of.

Sure would!

Which leads me to another thought: Caffeine consumption, as opposed to alcohol, has no negative impact on body composition that I can think of, and that could be an overwhelmingly more important interest of the people who are responding to this thread.

I think that could strongly be at the root of it...at least within the people on a board like this. I just really find it interesting...that's all. I wanted to see what "justifications" some people may give. Again...ASSUMING THEY INDEED FEEL WHAT THEY ARE DOING IS UNHEALTHY. Maybe the answer for many really is as easy as "because it wouldn't make me look any better" :)

Like I said initially...I'm not judging these people for doing so...just trying to understand the logic...that's all.

Like I said initially...I'm not judging these people for doing so...just trying to understand the logic...that's all. To what benefit?

Some people just like coffee :) what more of an explanation does one need? Also, what if a person needs 1 cup of caffeinated coffee to survive the daily grind, and I mean they don't function with out that first cup? Really, how detrimental is that? People are fairly habitual and that may be all it is. It's amazing how a creature of habit can be thrown off by the smallest event.

Everyones definition of "healthy" will be different and relative to their own situation. People are imperfect, and I'd have it no other way.

I am additcted to coffee/caffeine and I found the difficulties quitting caffeine similiar to quitting cigarettes, speaking for myself--only. Right now I am about one week without coffee, substituting green tea and an occasional excedrin to relieve the headache, from past experience, I will have to suffer for another week or so. I would still be drinking coffee, if I did not have to have cream and sugar in it, as I cannot drink it black.

I have heard the caffeine produces the fight or flight hormone, and being new to fitness, I am unsure how it helps fitness levels. Caffeine, does however affect the chemicals of the brain similiar to heroin but at much lower levels, so I have read.

Anyway, speaking for myself, I have an addictive personality; therefore, I am trying to stay away from it for now, while I get into shape.

P/S My first post:D

You do know that excedrin has caffeine in it, right? You probably did know that but I just wanted to make sure that you weren't taking caffeine without realizing it.

Navy for 20 years. Coffee, black, 1 pot per day, every day. I love to drink coffee when I am working out, even on the hottest day. I wish I could figure a way of drinking it while running. I love coffee but hate Starbucks. I actually prefer the coffee at Mcdonalds or 7-11.

I see your point...but mine is...assuming you DO see your own consumption of caffeine to be at a level that is bad (regardless of whether it is or not...or whether others would see it as bad or not)...why doesn't this bother you as much as say your overeating or overdrinking habits which you're willing to try so hard to cut out?. (not you personally...you being anyone willing to respond)


Mostly because the health effects of caffeine are pretty mild (unlike chronic overeating or consuming alcohol). It causes a very slight increase in blood pressure, which could potentially cause problems for somebody who already has cardiovascular disease or very high blood pressure -- but, for healthy people, caffeine is relatively harmless.

I have heard the caffeine produces the fight or flight hormone, and being new to fitness, I am unsure how it helps fitness levels. Caffeine, does however affect the chemicals of the brain similiar to heroin but at much lower levels, so I have read.


Actually, it is probably closer to some of the CNS stimulants than depressants like heroin. One positive is that caffeine doesn't really affect the reward centers in the brain (i.e. nucleus accumbens) in the same way that a drug like heroin does, so its addictive properties are much smaller in comparison. Heavy caffeine users will experience withdrawal, but those symptoms go away in about 1-2 weeks.

To what benefit?

Please read my OP. It was a conversation that came up at work and I found several of the people's positions interesting. One said he "knew" that it was bad but tended to crave it when he was stressed...which I though was really odd since it would just make me more wired. Another "thought it was bad" for her and said she didn't even really feel like it did anything but drank it out of habit. Again...this seemed like an odd thing to do IMO. But...like I said...none of these people were claiming to be trying to live healthy lifestyles so what difference does it make? I was just wondering of those who do...who also happen to personally view it as bad (regardless of whether it is or not)...what were their explanations. Several posters provided them and I found them to be interesting. Seeing how other people see themselves is often good for your own self-reflection. Wasn't looking for anything other than that.

Mostly because the health effects of caffeine are pretty mild (unlike chronic overeating or consuming alcohol). It causes a very slight increase in blood pressure, which could potentially cause problems for somebody who already has cardiovascular disease or very high blood pressure -- but, for healthy people, caffeine is relatively harmless.

Please re-read my OP and subsequent posts. I didn't start this thread to discuss whether or not caffeine is good for you or not. As I avoid it...I really don't care :). What I was interested in was...out of those who are trying to lead a healthy lifestyle and for whatever personal reason view caffeine to be bad...but still drink it in excess...what is the thought process behind doing so. That's really all I cared about...for the reason stated above.

Thx to those junkies willing to share your innermost secrets!:D;):D!

Please re-read my OP and subsequent posts. I didn't start this thread to discuss whether or not caffeine is good for you or not. As I avoid it...I really don't care :). What I was interested in was...out of those who are trying to lead a healthy lifestyle and for whatever personal reason view caffeine to be bad...but still drink it in excess...what is the thought process behind doing so. That's really all I cared about...for the reason stated above.

Thx to those junkies willing to share your innermost secrets!:D;):D!

That's the issue right there isn't it? Most people don't really view coffee/caffeine consumption as a bad thing. Although, I do know a few people that do not drink coffee, but this is more due to taste issues rather than health preference.

However, to address your original issue, I believe that it is probably because any perceived reprecussions of drinking a "bad" substance, such as caffiene, are relatively invisible. It's fairly difficult to tell If someone has over-indulged in coffee at any given point, where-as if that person has eaten fast food for a lifetime, or drinks 10 Irish Car bombs each morning...well...you see where I'm going with this.

I personally drink anywhere from 0 - 5 cups daily, depending on nothing at all. I'll have weeks where I drink no coffee, and then a day where I sit down for 5 cups. I think it is because I actually go through the trouble of stopping everything else and sitting down to enjoy the cup of coffee, It relaxes me. I wouldn't go so far as to say it makes me happy, but it does improve my quality of life.

Hope this helped! -OT

That's the issue right there isn't it? Most people don't really view coffee/caffeine consumption as a bad thing. Although, I do know a few people that do not drink coffee, but this is more due to taste issues rather than health preference.

That's interesting Tiger...I actually know few people who DON'T believe EXCESSIVE Caffeine to be bad. Obviously...my study is completely unscientific but I never stopped to think that maybe the view was few and far between outside of those I am close to.

However, to address your original issue, I believe that it is probably because any perceived reprecussions of drinking a "bad" substance, such as caffiene, are relatively invisible. It's fairly difficult to tell If someone has over-indulged in coffee at any given point, where-as if that person has eaten fast food for a lifetime, or drinks 10 Irish Car bombs each morning...well...you see where I'm going with this.

Great point!



I think it is because I actually go through the trouble of stopping everything else and sitting down to enjoy the cup of coffee, It relaxes me. I wouldn't go so far as to say it makes me happy, but it does improve my quality of life.

Hope this helped! -OT

It does indeed! Again...I never even thought of caffeine consumption as being a way to relax...but several people have essentially given this reason. (I believe it may have been guava early on in this thread with a similar feeling...too lazy to check right now). If you all can somehow use it to relax...then I could definitely see the draw regardless of anything else because that's something we definitely tend to lack in! Me...I'd be turning from the Orange Tiger into the Orange Tigger!!!

I love good coffee and don't consider myself a junkie. My consumption varies...I'm currently drinking 1 (big) cup every morning, but I've been known to consume up to 5 cups a day.

As to why people crave it to 'relax', one could ask the same of people who smoke to 'relax' (nicotine = stimulant) or people who drink when they're depressed (alcohol = depressant). I don't have the scientific answer to that one though!

I think that consuming caffeine has negative connotations which are not based on the latest studies that show (although inconclusively) many benefits to caffeine consumption (antioxidant effects, lower risk of Alzheimer's, lower risk of diabetes, etc.) and are more associated with excessive caffeine consumption.

I think you need to take a better look at HOW people who you consider unhealthy are consuming their coffee. If they consume an insane amount of coffee a day, are they loading it with sugar, creamers, etc? Are they drinking Starbucks style coffee (i.e. coffee flavored milk beverages). The sugar, cream/fat really does make the difference in what is essentially a low cal beverage.

I personally put half a teaspoon of sugar in my 1 cup a day habit, although true coffee connoisseurs drink it black. I could go without it (and have) but with like any other habit, I feel like something's missing if I skip my daily cup.

I've been having a low-carb monster every morning to calm me down. Helps me focus and keeps me from gettin irritable. I think I'd be better off with ritalin, but all the doctors assume I'm just out to abuse it and refuse to prescribe it, so I'm sticking with caffiene for now.

If you've ever had caffeine withdrawl you'll understand relaxing with coffee :rolleyes: But it's mostly the process not the coffee. You sit down with something hot in your hand. Stir it. Often you do it with other people. So you chat a bit.

I am additcted to coffee/caffeine and I found the difficulties quitting caffeine similiar to quitting cigarettes, speaking for myself--only. Right now I am about one week without coffee, substituting green tea and an occasional excedrin to relieve the headache,

FYI ...Excedrin has caffeine in it.

Please read my OP. Oh but I did. I'm not sure how you concluded I didn't. It's just that I didn't find your intentions clear, since most discussions will go "I drink, x number of cups.... I probably shouldn't".

So that, we think or have heard it's bad, but we do it any ways. There's no way to exclude the effects of caffeine from the "thought process" going on in people since caffeine stimulates (in lower levels) areas of the brain....that will definitely and directly affect the "thought process".

However, that said:

Seeing how other people see themselves is often good for your own self-reflection.

Now I understand where you are going with this...

cheers :)

I'm not sure whether I like coffee or not.

Here's the deal......I hate black coffee and will pass it up if offered to me.

But....If you add cream or milk to it I will slurp cup after cup.

The cream/evaporated milk when added, produces a flavor unlike either coffee alone or cream alone.

And it is this flavor I love (I don't take sugar in it).

I will go to extremes to find different blends of coffee but only if they go good with cream.

If we were by law only allowed to drink coffee black I'd almost certainly give it up or it would be an occasional thing.


And exactly the same goes for Tea.

The coffee/cream combo currently puts me in the 6 to 10 cups a day league.

So of course my cream has to be damn near fat free or low fat.

Do I think I'm an addict?......Actually I haven't given it a moment's thought...ever.

Do I suffer from my coffee/cream addiction?......not so far.

Am I a danger to myself or others?........No, because they all drink coffee too. And I always have plenty on hand.

Will I do the right thing and stop drinking it immediately?.....not in this lifetime.

The world runs on coffee. Coffee is what life is about. Everywhere,all the time, people are stopping for coffee. People will ask you "Wanna go for coffee?"...They paint their walls "off-coffee"...There's "coffee breaks",coffee-flavored liqueurs, coffee-flavored chocolates and ice cream....and you can go places where the coffee-pot is always on.
We build vehicles with coffee-cup holders...there's a coffee-dispenser at every gas station and there are special no-spill cups so you can drink your coffee while driving..

America is not addicted to oil...it is addicted to coffee.

All cowboys drank coffee in the early West.

All G.I.'s in pre-1990 Hollywood movies drink coffee and smoke.

Without coffee, life as we know it would grind (no pun intended) to a halt.

Turn off the coffee-pot and you turn off America...

Coffee is the lifeblood coursing through the veins of Western civilization.

It is The Fountain Of Youth that Ponce De Leon was looking for.

It is....it is....oh,never mind..I'm gonna go have a coffee..

Great diatribe. For what it's worth, the Brits say that coffee has become the ruin of civilization- mainly because it replaced their cup of tea as the staple for the masses.

dszil- I understand and appreciate the manner of your question. This is an audience of mostly like-minded people whose opinions you generally value, and the difference over this subject is noteworthy. Makes sense to me to ask the question.

Myself- I am realistically addicted to caffeine. I consume less than some people, but probably a little more than I would like. I have 1.5-2 cups of coffee in the morning, and then 3 or so diet sodas during the remainder of the day. I don't really think it's bad for me, other than feeling jittery if I push past a certain point.

A lot of the desire for coffee and diet soda probably relates to them being calorie-free pick-me-ups (i.e. better than chocolate, candy, etc.) I like the taste alright, but not all the time. I suppose I don't like the idea that if civilization ended tomorrow and I didn't have access to caffeine, I would have a bad headaches for two weeks while everyone else could scrounge for food. :) Then again, I suppose I would have plenty of company!