New research looks at how caffeine affects the human brain

Jan 29, 2014 14:59 GMT  ·  By

A new study published in the latest issue of the Journal of Caffeine Research suggests that some people may experience potentially-dangerous withdrawal symptoms after consuming even moderate amounts of coffee. Previous recommendations from the American Medical Association advised the general public that such moderate intake of coffee was harmless.

The investigation also indicates that many people actually have caffeine addiction, beyond the boasts that many of us make about being addicted to coffee. When those who drink caffeine in its various forms cannot stop even if they have conditions such as heart diseases, or are pregnant, then things get serious, and we can finally talk about addiction.

“The negative effects of caffeine are often not recognized as such because it is a socially acceptable and widely consumed drug that is well integrated into our customs and routines,” argues Laura Juliano, PhD, who is a professor of psychology at the American University. She is a coauthor on the new paper, PsychCentral reports.

The expert also quotes statistics indicating that nearly 50 percent of participants in population-based studies report difficulties in giving up caffeine, despite our cultural views that it is a harmless drug, much easier to escape from than cigarettes or alcohol, for example.