"I AM A COKE ADDICT"
Phew, glad I got that off of my chest but in all seriousness I have come to realize that I am addicted to the sweet sugary goodness of the always refreshing Coca-Cola. I was fine with that addiction until recently when I tried to quit, well temporarily. So I made an agreement with my sister to give up sodas for a month as a part of a New Year's Resolution. I figured it would be hard giving it up because I had become accustomed, like most of the billions of Coke drinkers around the world I like to have a refreshing soda with most of my meals, but I figured that I would manage after all its a New Year Resolution, it's suppose to be hard right?!
Well a week or so in and I AM REGRETTING IT BIG TIME. All of a sudden I start to feel withdrawal symptoms that I did not expect. Who expects to feel physical manifestation of a soft drink? Would this happen if you were addicted to cranberry or orange Juice?! Can you even be addicted to OJ? I started to realize that without my daily dose of coke I would find it increasingly hard to stay awake during the day or focus in meetings and presentations. My days seemed longer and longer, I started finding myself unable to stay up past 10pm and I began to crave the refreshing thirst of an ice cold coca-cola. And although I am sure we are all aware of the negative side effects of consuming sodas on a regular basis (e.g. high sugar intake, cavities associated and empty calories leading to weight gain) the devastating effects these sugary soft drinks can have on the physiology of your body can be quite astonishing considering the availability of these products to the world. They are sold in every corner of the world in every slum, hillside and mountain top. Therefore as a scientist, the apparent side effects from my coca-cola withdrawal peaked my curiosity and initiated my research into the science behind a Coke addiction something I never had a desire to purse until now.
Another ingredient that is not clearly labeled on the can is the amount of caffeine (ephedrine). A 12oz can of coke has 35mg of caffeine (58mg for a 20oz). That may not seem like a lot considering a 20oz Venti from Starbucks has 415mg of caffeine per serving but it adds up. And I confess to substituting coke as my caffeine intake considering that I don't drink coffee, I use it to stay awake late at night, to put pep in my step and to sometimes just calm my nerve....Ironic I know, considering caffeine increases your heart rate. However, interestingly enough just as addictive to caffeine is the sugar itself.
So I wanted to highlight some of the ways these chemicals affect our bodies.
Caffeine
The physiological activity of caffeine blocks the activity of phosphodiesterase (PDE) a chemical that breaks down the chemical messenger of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) that is involved in signal transmission in neurons. Basically what this means is that Caffeine "AMPS UP" the electrical signal in your body and keeps it AMP'D! This is how caffeine allows you to stay awake longer or make you feel invigorated an activity that is very similar to the activity of many nervous stimulants like cocaine/heroine. Its like taking a car battery and running your lawn mower with it. It will work fine and might even work better for a short while but eventually you will fry the system because its can't handle all that power (i.e. post-stimulant CRASH). When this becomes your regular routine you begin losing the ability to function without it. Hence, why I felt like I needed it once I decided to give up my daily coke and started going through withdrawal. My body was telling me that it did not know how to function without it. Many prominent researchers believe that caffeine addiction is a mental disorder similar to heroin/cocaine addiction, with symptoms that can seem almost as intense. So do not take that can of coke/cup of coffee lightly as it may have more an affect on you than you realize!
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SugarAdditionally, sugar itself can be very addictive and may be the leading cause of obesity, diabetes, cancer and heart disease. We all know that sugar is suppose to rot your teeth, cause you to put on weight and too much of it is just bad for many health reasons. But did you know that sugar can have an effect on your brain function? Many scientists believe that sugar is just as addictive as cocaine and operates on a reward/pleasure system for your brain. Sugar triggers the brain to release dopamine, which is the chemical that controls pleasure in your brain. So every time your body gets a high dose of sugar, your brain climaxes a little and on a constant day by day basis your body becomes addicted. So addictive that when you can't get this pleasure fix it affects you mood/behavior and can make you a little grumpy....think about the snicker's commercial when the boy turns into Joe Pesci at a party. But what snickers is not telling you is that the more you do this the more we can get you addicted to our candy! In today's food pyramid sugar is in everything from the breads we eat to the healthy yogurts we consume. The reason for this is that the food industry knows that there is big money on getting their customers hooked but also associating their product with a euphoric pleasure sense.
I'm not saying we all need to start living a caffeine free, sugar free lifestyle, and give up all the good things we love, in fact I will probably be back to drinking my coke after my coke free month (a.k.a. purgatory) is over. But I think we need to know what we are doing to our bodies and realize that the addiction is real, just like the crack addict, cigarette addict, alcoholic.....the COKE ADDICTION IS REAL! After all when you force feed the human population a constant supply of two of the most addictive substances known to man enslavement to the "CRAVE" is inevitable.
The good news is that after a month (well almost 3 weeks), I feel less inclined to need a coke in my life with every meal and substituting a coke a day for water has helped me feel healthier while undertaking my other New Year's resolution of exercising more. So cracking the habit (pun intended) is totally doable if you want it bad enough.
So I implore you, if you are a coke addict, a coffee addict a Starbucks addict (because you know Starbucks isn't just regular coffee) try giving it up for a week maybe even a month and see how severe your side effects are because the severity of your side effects can tell you a lot about your addiction. And if you wake up in the middle of the night in a cold sweat dreaming of a cup of coffee then you might want to just think twice about judging that crack-ish looking homeless person wandering the streets, because you'll have a better idea of what they are going through.
28 comments
Jason, Thank you for your article. I have lost control - I know the negative effects of Coca cola and I don't want to do that to my body, but I rationalize, deny, downplay because I look forward to my "one" vice. I'm beginning to think, "What's wrong with me that I choose to do something bad for myself over taking caution?" I've often said I'm glad I never started smoking 'cause I would never be able to quit. Little did I know, I would become a Coke junkie. I need help and I know it, but I don't want to give it up. How bad is that?
ReplyDeleteIt's not bad, I think you are in exactly the same position that millions of people are in worldwide. I myself after writing this post have gone back to drinking coke, and as I do not drink coffee I feel as though I need it in the late night hours to fuel my energy. But its a constant struggle, and I know its bad for me so I try to constantly analyze my habit.
ReplyDeleteI know one thing that has helped me is switching from drinking bottle or fountain drink coke to canned cokes. I find that, by drinking a can of coke by the time as I am finished with one it is much more of an inner struggle to open another coke, because I tell myself 2 cokes now thats OVER DOSE. And after drinking one can coke I find myself sufficiently satisfied, rather than needing another, because lets face it its that initial rush, those first few seconds of flavor that really get the neurons firing. However, those 2 can cokes (24 oz) are not far off from the 20oz bottle that are typically sold and make you feel like you ar getting more bang for your buck. It also helps me to regulate my intake a bit better, because I know that if I can only have 2 can cokes in a day then I'm curtailing my calories a bit better than drinking a 20ox or GOD FORBID a 32+ oz fountain drink.
But we live in a world where Coke/Sodas are everywhere and sometimes its hard to say no, but its a constant struggle for everyone.
I am 60hrs clean from coca cola lol. I have had some serious withdrawl symptoms... in fact im pretty sure I almost had a heart attack. im only 25 but I am 290lbs and I had a faint pain in my chest and a shooting pain in my lower left jaW... I took 2 aspirin, I should have went to the hospital but things are better today. I also had a dream that I was drining coke and I only remember 1 dream a year. im very grumpy and food just doesn't taste nearly as good without coke... reading you blog is helping me regain some focus but I will most likely fail this atttempt to stop
ReplyDeleteIf you think about it as an attempt to stop we are all doomed to fail. Giving in does not mean you have given up, it means you have a weak moment, but we are all prone to error and make mistake and are left to try again.
DeleteBut I understand your frustration all too well. You feel irritable, might feel shaken a bit. Food seems less desirable without that measure of goodness to wash it down. And the thought of the bubbles tickling your upper lip as you take that first sip are all an endless craving. But its all in your head. If you make it through a couple days or even a week you will see that that taste thats in your head is does not compare to the reality. And given time you your body will adjust and the tiredness, grumpiness will all subside.
BE STRONG!
I'm a Cola Addict too! I wonder what causes me to sabotage myself/my body in the aspect of food and drinks? I drank Cokes during my pregnancy even after being warned by my doctor that the health risk were not worth it. I'm crazy about sugar and caffeine! HELP!
ReplyDeleteThank you for this article. I too am addicted to Coke a cola. I am stopping now as I have become morbidly obese and blame most of it on my coke consumption. I am 53 and dont want to die yet. So I am changing my diet , removing all the sugars etc and getting my weight under control. I have drank at least a two liter bottle of coke each day for the past several years. My wife said why do you migrate down slowly , with me it is all or none, in or out. Today I am out , I do feel like crap but I am hoping to feel better,
ReplyDeleteI’ve been 4 days coke free- and i can tell you it’s the worst sensation ever. i need to understand what are the withdraw symptoms, i have head, but muscle hurt, can sleep, my stomach hurts really bad, I’ve got even diarrhoea...my lower back hurts so bad that I need to lay down a few minutes- I’ve got no energy whatsoever….i’m depressed can’t concentrate- I’m not even hungry…..
ReplyDeleteWhat can I do to stop these symptoms??
I myself am addicted. sometimes i wake up in the night thinking about the taste. i crave it. sadly it was the only that helped me with morning sickness. but i was able to sip a half glass with my pregnancy to curb the vomitting. but even now i am craving it so much. in work, i must have it to start my days work. i must have it to eat. i must have it as i reach home. i actually tell myself. i had a long day of work and i need a reward for getting tru the day. i carve it so much that i must again have it at dinner. then i will have it after dinner as dessert and then i wud drink a glass water brush my teeth and go to sleep. i have enough guilt now to finally figure how to quit the dam thing. i am going crazy thinking about my addiction. my significant other is trying to support me. he even started a hwile back by secretly throwing away some when i am not looking. he pours most of the contents down the sink so i wud not drink most of it. he tells me the shop has none. so i wud drink water instead. i am going paranoid. i need help. why is this stuff so addictive.
ReplyDeleteGet a life , not a coke.
ReplyDeleteThe addiction bit is very real. The plant extracts in there mixed up with several acids in there too, act the same as a mild cocaine addiction. Would you do cocaine every day ? The craving is real !
ReplyDeleteIt's real..coke addiction is real..I have not had coke for 4 days now and I have been getting chest pains, nasty headaches and tummy aches..Thank you for your article..at least, i know that i can still kick this addiction..i'm committed to being coke-free, please help!
ReplyDeleteAhhh so refreshing, I'm fenning for a coke so bad. What the hell? This feels crazy, moody would be an understatement! It's only been a day, and I feel like I want to punch something? My husband offered to get me six pack, and I feel like I'm waiting for the dope man to get back? WTF
ReplyDeleteGreat article. I am 6 days off of cola and today is a hard day. I saw an old coke in the fridge and almost lost my mind. I asked my boyfriend to be sure to DUMP it and throw it away. I quit randomly because I knew that something was wrong with it to make me crave it so badly. Its been hard but may be good in the long run. Ive even stopped going out to lunch at my favorite fast food places because I associate it with getting a coke. Im going to hang in there and see what happens. It is tough though.
ReplyDeleteWoke up with a hangover-like headache this morning it was quite debilitating, I note chocolate helps (sugar source substitution) but this is simply replacing one type of addiction with another.
ReplyDeleteI've found that although we drink to re-hydrate... I'm comparing all liquids to Coke and finding them unsatisfying.
Green tea
DeleteI have dyspepsia. Coke has eaten away my stomach lining after years of being addicted to the stuff. The pain is intolerable. Please don't drink it and please don't give it to your kids. 1 notch down from the acidity of battery acid, you wouldn't drink that! Coke should only be used to clean your toilet or get the rust of your old car bumper! Do not consume! Good luck with the withdrawal symptoms, I'm told it's worth it in the end and any withdrawal has got to be better than the awful passion I've suffered recently.
ReplyDeletewow, i never knew there was so many coke addicts out there lol
ReplyDeletei been addicted for years, trying to give it up, the with drawl symptoms, are awful, my head feels like its going to fall off, my body aches so much, i ve come out in spots on my face,( i m 51 years old i rarely get spots,) its only been a few days, but i m determined to beat it, and give coke up. but it was refreshing to know i m not going mad you really do get with drawl s from the drink coke. Good Luck to all you coke drinkers out there.
Today is day 2 of quiting Coke, I had my last one yesterday. I have not had one since. My poor wife, she is putting up with my attitude now!! I have had a headache all day and a 2 hour nap this afternoon!! I quit smoking 3 years ago and now I am going to quit Coke!
ReplyDeleteIm a 2l+ coke a day type of person.I quit drinking coke (yesterday afternoon last one) and I'm definetly not excited about the next few day.Feeling sick, tired and can't even look at food.
ReplyDeleteI have been feeling horrible the past few days, like how you feel at the start of the flu.My muscles ache, I have been having painful muscle spasms in my back. My feet hurt. I am trying to think of what has changed or what might be causing these ailments. I just made the connection with Coca-Cola withdrawal. I stopped drinking Cokes. I have had at least one Coke every day of my life since childhood up until this past week. I am online to see if Coca-cola withdrawal is a real thing. Evidently, it is.
ReplyDeleteDay 5 of no coke. My nights used to consist of putting my kids to bed and then I would have 2 or 3 cans of coke with a large pack of salt & vinegar chips. They have been my vice since I quit smoking 3+ years ago. Now, every time I want a coke, I have a large drink of icy cold water. I have had one hell of a headache for the last few days but I want to be able to give my boys a fun, active, healthy upbringing and I want to be actively involved in it.
ReplyDeleteI'm not quitting. I just don't drink soft drink.
I have been drinking coke for 23 years. For the past year I drink a 12 pack a day. I have diabetes, lupus, and stomach cancer. I need help! Every time I try, I fail. Any suggestions?
ReplyDeleteOver 30 years of drinking 4+ liters a day ( 2large bottles) sometimes up to 12 liters a day ... Was diagnosed with non alcoholic fatty liver disease left untreated could destroy my liver completely am forced to quit... Have been Coke free for 4 days now wow what headaches but am going to make it. Was so much easier to quit smoking 13 years ago.... Only advice I can suggest is hang in there...damn hope these headaches go away soon will keep you posted....
ReplyDeleteThe struggle with coke is very real.I'm a coke junkie.I have been drinking two small bottles of coke a day for the last 28 yrs and I'm 38 yrs old.I tried on 3 occasions to give up coke.I can give up any food while dieting and exercising and loose weight but I just cant give up coke.Headaches out of this world,body gets weak,lasted 2 days on three occassions and like a junky needed my fix and I was like new again.Never knew there were so many ppl out there like me
ReplyDeleteNo one else has mentioned nausea and hunger pang in this thread, but those have been my major issues in the last 60 hours I've spent not drinking Coke. My last 2 attempts to get off it were a failure (severe headaches, irritability), yet I am a very determined individual when it comes to every other aspect of life. Coke intake is more than an addiction. My only consolation now is that I set a target to be off coke for 1 week so I eagerly look forward to next Saturday. Is this normal?
ReplyDeleteMy husband, a life long Coke addict was diagnosed with type 2 Diabetes on Sunday, and has been off coca-cola since. It is 3 days now since he had his last Coke, and he's complaining of terrible head-aches, dizziness and general exhaustion. Does anyone have any idea how long he'll feel this terrible? To add to it, he's now been taking 500mg of Metformin twice a day, and severely cut back on all the other sugar he used to eat. He's determined to change his life, but the side effects are challenging. He's 42, in good shape other than his VERY high blood Glucose (502 when they tested him), and numbness in his feet - which is what took him to doctor in first place... Anyone want to weigh in?
ReplyDeleteI quit on the first day of spring. The cravings are so awful...I know it seems like a joke to everyone around me, being addicted to Coca-Cola, but this has been a horrible two and a half weeks. Horrible. Trying to imagine the rest of my life without that sweet fizzy deliciousness is just painful. I'm sorry other people have the same serious problem but it is a relief to know I'm not the only one having such a hard time breaking the addiction.
ReplyDelete6 days without a Dr. Pepper. It is all I have ever had as a beverage. I have always called it the "Juice of the Gods". I have cases in my fridge and I order it anytime out at restaurants. I have had an average of two or three cans a day for most of my adult life so far. This week has been hell. I wake in cold sweats, I have strange, sudden, shooting pains in my hands, fingers, neck, arms. I am completely exhausted all the time. My stomach gurgles and is in terrible discomfort all the time. I do not want to eat at all. I feel like I am walking dead during the day wih my nerves buzzing. Am wondering if this all really stems from soda withdrawal or something else.
ReplyDelete