The caffeine cycle

I've heard it said many times, "If caffeine were discovered today it would be a controlled substance. It has a greater affect on the body than most drugs.

While I haven't experimented with too many drugs I do know I love caffeine. It makes the day a little brighter, boring meetings pass by a little faster and I know I accomplish more (in the short term.)

The problem - and all caffeine addicts can relate to this - is the buildup. Two Cokes is all I need. In a couple of days it will be four Cokes. Before long I'm downing two pots of coffee before noon. Caffeine no longer has any of the positive effects, it simply keeps me moving in a zombie state.

So, periodically I will purge myself of the dreaded drug. Cold turkey comes with nasty side effects: a throbbing headache, nausea, and odd sleep patterns.

This weekend was another purge for me. Because I was only doing a six pack of Coke Zero and a few cups of coffee a day this purge wasn't as bad as many in the past. I basically slept for three days and took aspirin.

Now, with the caffeine gone I'm back to drinking water. Yippee! I'll limit myself to one Zero a day for the next week. Of course, I will cycle back up and within a month I'll be back to where I was a week ago...