Headache (Photo credit: redwinegums)
So I woke up this morning with a headache, so my first thought is, of course – brain tumor – because it couldn’t just be a headache. There must be some underlying, devastating cause for me to be in so much pain. And then I remember that I’m trying to give up caffeine, so that’s probably why my head hurts, and I’m a little nauseated, and I want to kill everyone (not really).
I’ve been having a love-hate relationship with the stuff for going on a couple of decades now. It makes me jittery and nervous, but it’s the only thing that keeps me from sleeping twenty hours a day, especially at this time of year when the sun goes down at four in the afternoon. But even that isn’t working as well as it used to, because the other day I drank two very strong cups of tea only to fall asleep ten minutes later. At this point it’s either get healthy or switch to meth.
If anyone tells you that caffeine is not addictive, they are lying. I am an addict. I know this because I am a nicotine addict as well. I could say that I used to smoke, but that is not entirely accurate. I haven’t had a cigarette in over a year and a half (*waits for applause* – hooray for not slowly killing yourself) but I still want one. Every day. Just writing about it makes me want one. But I don’t, mostly because I can’t afford it, but also because I don’t like being a slave to a chemical.
That is exactly the way I feel about caffeine. I have some, in various forms, nearly every day since I was thirteen. I have quit smoking twice, but I’ve never been able to kick the juice for more than a day. Sugar sodas have ruined my teeth and waistline, but have only left me wanting more.
So, I’m going to take an aspirin and I’m going to try to quit again. You don’t need to hit me over the head with it any longer, I get it.
Also, if there’s one headache I don’t need, it’s another addiction.
Pressing keys at random since 1995.
I’m reading this as I’m finishing off my 3rd cup of coffee for the day. I have no intention of quitting caffeine. Ever.
Well, that didn’t take long. I was wondering how fast the coffee junkies would respond. For the record, if you like your caffeine and it’s working for you – great. I envy you. Drugs affect everyone differently, so I’m going to try life without for a while a see how that works for me.
I really hope it works. If it does, it means I’m not a lost cause! =)
I feel your pain. I tried to quit earlier this year but had to admit defeat when I fell asleep at my desk, at 8:30 in the morning. Good luck to you!
Sorry. I would have answered sooner but I was taking a nap. Zzz
The last time I quit caffeine, I had MASSIVE headaches for a couple weeks. Once it passed, however, I found I had more energy in the mornings. Truthfully, I’m back on the stuff again, but I admire you for quitting. I hate being a slave to chemicals. (I’m a smoker, too.)
Good for you!!
My point is, I nominated you for the Liebster Award.after reading this post!
All the details are here: http://pajarigirls.com/2012/12/17/liebster-award/
I am hopelessly addicted to soda, especially fountain soda which is like crack to me. But I’m pretty sure it has nothing to do with the caffeine, because I don’t drink it to stay awake… and I won’t touch coffee. I have a 52 ouncer of fountain Pepsi next to me as I type this….