not too bad today. I had some caffeine, but I plan to wean myself off of it for the next three or four days. I will decrease the amount that I usually have to about half that amount and then eventually go completely caffeine free. I think what'll help me is telling myself that I only have to do this for a few days. Cause then I won't crazy thinking, "I can't have any more caffeine for the rest of my life?" I can, but first I have to learn not to use it as a drug. It makes me tired all day long and depressed. Today is a better day for me and I hope to continue in that direction.
Besides decaf coffee and tea, what are some other things that I could have that will help me feel better and gain energy but without the caffeine? I have heard that ginseng is good. Also, a multivitamin and b-complex might be good. I take those things, but not on a regular basis. It's my willpower, I just have to learn to say no to caffeine and that's final. I sure could use one of those caffeine addicts anonymous programs, but I don't think they have one 'cause it's not one of the hard drugs that people are addicted to, like alcohol and narcotics. Well, maybe being here on this forum will help me get the support i need, it's helping me so far. I am doing better, I just need to keep it up and not be so hard on myself if I do slip. I'm constantly looking for tricks and tips and mindgames to help me have an easier time kicking the caffeine habit. Anything would be great. any help, suggestions, personal stories about your own struggles, would be helpful to me. and maybe I can think of something for others who are struggling.

I've been writing a lot in this particular forum topic because it's really a priority now for me to kick the caffeine habit. Is there anyone else who would like to be my sponsor, kind of like they have in AA meetings? We could help eachother out and talk to one another if we have the urge to take.

Hello Michelle, I have also been struggling with trying to kick my caffeine addiction. Also I am finding it extremly difficult to cut out cigarettes and alchohol, I'm only 20 but it feels like I have been dependant on them for so long. This week I have had exams at school and I have really been drinking alot of caffeine and smoking alot of cigarettes. I was doing well with the program, but due to my exams I kind of put it off. I don't know if that means I have to start the program all over again, or if I can just pick it up from session 5 again when I'm done my last exam tonight. If you want to stay in touch, that would be great. My e-mail is tragically_hip_37@hotmail.com, best of luck !

Benjamin,
hi. it's comforting to know that i'm not the only one out there with addiction problems. I have a very addictive personality. In the past, i have also had addictions to cigarettes, and even now, on occasion I'll have a drink when I know I shouldn't. I think that even though you've put off the program for your exams, you should get right back into where you left off. when you get through the program you can always review the whole thing again. I've been telling myself that I will do that (I finished the program last year, and I think it will benefit me if I do it again).
I would love to keep in touch and maybe we can help eachother out.
Michelle

I am glad to see this discussion on caffeine. When I listened to the CD about diet and exercize I had no intention of giving up coffee, but a few days ago I went without my afternoon coffee and slept so much better I decided to continue cutting back. Yesterday I only had 2 cups and now am awake since 4 am with the Headache. But I think I am getting better because when this happened before I felt like a victim, but now it makes me angry that is has such control of me that I had to get up to have caffeine to get rid of the headache. I am determined to get control of it now.

Addictions have 2 components - the need for the drug and the habit of using the drug. I think the right idea is to eliminate the drug but not necessarily the habit. For example, I love coffee but the caffeine does not agree with me so I've decided to drink decaf coffee or green tea. I also love diet Coke, but I'm going to start buying the caffeine free version. I believe this will help me wean myself off the caffeine.

Debbie

This will be my sixth day without afternoon coffee-usually a grande Americano. I am still waking up with the horrible headache before I want to get up. What really surprises me is how emotional I have been feeling. I really miss my afternoon boost because it made me happy. I guess that is why it is addictive.

Thank you to everyone on this forum for keeping me from slipping. I had been doing the half caf/have decaf thing for several weeks and this week changed to all decaf. The past two mornings I've been able to drag my butt out of bed and exercise before I start my day, but not having any caffeine at all has been hard. I finished my few cups of decaf and thought I would go ahead and have a cup of real tea. As I sat here reading these posts, it hit me that I didn't want to slip so I poured out the black tea and am now sitting here waiting for my herb tea to steep.

In college, I was addicted to amphetamines. Really addicted. My excuse was that I was working three jobs and trying to go to school full time so I didn’t have time to sleep. Of course that’s crap and I was only hurting myself. I did quit cold turkey and went through hell in the process. Most importantly – I never went back to them.
Thank you to everyone who spoke to caffeine being a drug. It really is. Thank for the reminder that I can quit this too and not go back.

I have a deck of cards that was gifted to me several years ago while I was going through a very difficult time in my life called “I Can Do It” cards by Louis Hay. Each card is two sided with a positive phrase on it. I found them in a drawer over the weekend and decided to keep them at my desk for when I need a little positive boost. I started using them again how I used them before by closing my eyes and thinking a question while shuffling “What do I need to remember today? What will help me?” The card that I pulled for today says on one side (no kidding) “Water is my favorite beverage. I drink lots of water to cleanse my body and mind.” And on the other side: “I am the only person who has control over my eating habits. I can always resist something if I choose to.”

Next challenge – cookies and chocolate.

Thanks again everyone, I love having this support!

It has been hard for me as well. I have been drinking water, milk, caffeine-free diet soda, and herbal tea. No chocolate (I am having major withdrawl!). And I am watching the sugar like a hawk. I'm a little tired, but I'd rather be tired than anxious! I also have rationalized the whole thing this way - I do not need any more stimulation in my body than I already have! I miss the chocolate but I don't miss feeling anxious. It hasn't even been a week yet. I'll get over it and I'll be better for it.

Debbie

How long does the with drawl last?

I use energy drinks when I exercise or perform in public. It boosts my performance. Now, I feel like they are buring me out and my anxiety is really bad.

It makes me feel like superman but now I am a wreck.

What will happen and when will it end?

I cut down from 24 oz of diet pop to 8 oz and struggle to go without it each day, since it is everywhere. I do drink 60 to 100 oz of water a day since that is recommended. I gave up alcohol for the last three months even communion wine since I don't want it to affect the meds that I am on to help with the anxiety/ depression since it can double the effect of alcohol. As much as I have been terrified of my anxiety, I definitely want to reduce my anxiety in any way possible.

AmandaJ

Hi Joe B., I used to drink almost a full 2 liter bottle of Pepsi everyday. Today is day 4 without any Pepsi and I feel alot more energetic and positive than I have in a while. The first few days were rough though. I had bad headaches and felt muddleheaded all day. I did cut back for two weeks before quitting. I quit buying it to have at home and work and replaced it with water, vitamins, and some exercise. The only time I allowed myself Pepsi was when I went out. Everyone is different, but I think if you make a "quiting schedule" that you can live with maybe it wont be so awful. I hope this helps! D-

I am on session 2 and as of now I will have to say that I am not going to give up chocolate or coke completely, I can and will cut back but not to have it at all, I don't know, we'll see! You gotta have chocolate once in awhile

HELP!!

I wasn't able to read every post in their entirety because I was getting dizzy, but I get the gist that most people posting on this topic have quit, or are trying to quit, caffeine.

I need help! Any tips you can give me would be great, but I do know about not going cold turkey, and slowly adding decaf to my regular coffee, etc. I guess it's more emotional tips I need to help me be able to quit.

I'm not going to say that I "can't" quit, because I know I can if I want to quit badly enough. The problem is I am terrified of quitting it -- I have chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia, and two daughters, ages 4 and 8. Even with the caffeine I feel too tired to give them 100% attention, and of course that makes me feel guilty and depressed and irritable ... and that's just one of the reasons why I'm doing this program :-).

I drink coffee in the morning (about 2 cups), then switch to tea (for some reason the coffee doesn't "work" as well after those first 2 cups!). I drink tea throughout the day -- probably about 5-7 cups. I also take Adderall for ADD and for the fatigue. Adderall alone doesn't do a thing for the fatigue, and caffeine alone doesn't either -- it's the combination that helps.

I would so appreciate any tips on breaking the "emotional" component to this addiction!

I am on Lesson 8 now -- it seems to be moving too fast for me. I work with a personal coach and we talk once a week, but there are times when I would like more time to focus on a Lesson. I am taking an extra week this week, but I think I could use a month for each one!

Thanks for listening ...
Maureen

Hi momurph, there are so many post on this site, Wow I can't keep up. I am struggling with not having chocolate, I do drink decaf coffee in the morning which isn't that bad. I usually have a piece of chocolate everyday I don't know if I want to give that up, it's one of the things I look forward. this probably didn't help but right now I also am having a difficult time giving up some caffeine. Best of luck to you.