Going AF and Caffeine Cravings

[5thaday]

As of tomorrow, I am happy to report that I will have racked up 60 days without alcohol, something I previously thought I would never achieve. Since quitting, I've noticed increased cravings for caffeine. I've always been a moderate coffee drinker, no more than 1 cup per day, but after sobering up I now usually consume 2-3 cups, and find myself craving it much more than I used to. I'm not writing this because I'm worried or anything, as 2-3 cups of coffee is certainly not a big health concern, but I have noticed that without a steady influx of alcohol, my brain seems to really appreciate the extra surges of dopamine produced by the caffeine. I drink my coffee black, so this has little to do with carbohydrate cravings. Has anyone else noticed increased caffeine cravings after going AF? Really just curious about this.

[Dolly Sunshine]

Going AF and Caffeine Cravings

Why do you think there is always designated coffee makers at AA!! I drink a ton of coffee.

[Sweaty Betty]

Going AF and Caffeine Cravings

Yep, I've gone from two strong black cups in the morning, to around four a day, plus diet coke. I've halved the sugar I use, and have had to lower the strength of my beans!

Bets

[nancy]

Going AF and Caffeine Cravings

Caffeine triggers production of natural sugar in the body. So it could be that you crave that blood sugar rush you got from alcohol. Refined carbs and sweets have the same effect.

[Muddle]

Going AF and Caffeine Cravings

Interesting about the blood sugar, Nancy. I wonder if the blood sugar effect is why caffiene has always calmed me down rather than the opposite?

[Cinders]

Going AF and Caffeine Cravings

Nancy,

You are such a fount of information. I didn't know that and now I understand why I, too, started drinking so much caffeine in the last few months.

Thank you!
Cindi

[Guest]

Going AF and Caffeine Cravings

nancy;705988 wrote: Caffeine triggers production of natural sugar in the body. So it could be that you crave that blood sugar rush you got from alcohol. Refined carbs and sweets have the same effect.

High octane coffee helped me get off the booze. I assume for many reasons. But if I was drinking coffee, I didn't have a different drink in my hand. And I consciously thought to myself that the worst coffee issue would be better than the best alcohol issue, if that makes sense.

And I have also heard about the sweets and refined carbs cravings when getting off the alcohol. I think I combat that with a regimen of exercise. When I would get in an exercise routine, even without consciously planning to do so, I would eat better and drink better liquids. I just naturally start eating the salads and drinking juices -- even without any agenda.

So, I drink coffee and exercise. There are other aspects to my "plan" -- but for me it really comes down to those two simple steps.

[ronnie]

Going AF and Caffeine Cravings

My coffee intake has over doubled since being A/F and then modding, I really have to faulse myself not to drink any at night otherwise I am awake all night.

[ChickenNumber3]

Going AF and Caffeine Cravings

Yup my coffee cravings are big-but usually restrain it to 2-3 a day,in am then allow one diet coke in arvo! But am trying to cut back slowly!
Chicken

[nancy]

Going AF and Caffeine Cravings

Yeah, well I think in the long run best to try to get blood sugar normalized through diet and to try to kick the rushes from all substances. Easier said than done.

Here's a more formal description of what I said off the top of my head:

Widely used and often viewed as harmless, caffeine is actually a stimulant and triggers a classic fight or flight response in the body by stimulating the release of adrenaline. This adrenaline rush causes stored sugar, called glycogen, to be released from the liver. Backup supplies of sugar released into the bloodstream cause blood sugar levels to spike then drop. Adding insult to injury, a 2002 Dutch study showed that increased levels of adrenaline made cells less responsive to insulin, making it even harder for the body to control blood sugar levels.
(Seale Harris's Weight Loss)

Best advised to keep total caffeine levels at 100 mgs per day (1 5 oz cup coffee)

[bear73]

Going AF and Caffeine Cravings

I usually have no more than 3 coffees a day but now craving and tending to drink 4 -also cravign lots of choc and cake. I'm drinking nice fresh coffee rather than instant - it's my treat!

going with it for now - stopped smoking too so don't want to tackle everything at once - just trying to 'limit' coffee (decaff after 3 cups) and have set a limit on chocolate/cake calories per day.