Caffiene Case

Caffeine

Caffeine

Anthony Dick

University of Phoenix

PSY/355 Jesse Ruffo

Introduction

In this paper the definition of a drug and the definition of caffeine as a stimulant will be given, along with the effects caffeine has on the human brain.

Drug

A drug is defined as a substance that has a physiological effect when ingested or introduced into the body. A physiological effect would be any type of mind altering or physical altering of the body is considered a drug.

Caffeine

Caffeine is a xanthine alkaloid that acts like a stimulant drug. Caffeine is found in many foods but is most commonly found in coffee beans and in teas. Ninety percent of the adult population consumes caffeine daily to help defeat that drowsy feeling during the day. Unfortunately the same thing they consume to beat that sluggish feeling may also be the reason behind it as a withdrawal.

How Does Caffeine Affect the Brain?

Caffeine is a xanthine which is closely related to the adenosine. Adenosine is produced during the time we are awake. It is what makes us feel active and energetic while being awake. When we start to feel tired is when our bodies slow down the production of adenosine and we start to feel tired and start to get ready for sleep. This is important to get a good night's sleep. Caffeine fools the body into thinking adenosine is still active and gives the same feeling of being awake and in return starts to produce adrenaline. When the adrenaline kicks in you get the dopamine which gives you that feel good feeling. Like any drug the more you use it the more you need to get the same effects.

Side Effects of Caffeine

Some side effects of caffeine include insomnia, anxiety, dizziness, nausea, and tarry stole just to name a few. When the body is fooled to thinking the adenosine is being produced and the receptors do not get the proper response to slow the body down it sometimes causes insomnia in some people. Some people are even allergic to caffeine and may get a rash of some sort. Some people get addicted to caffeine but it is more of a psychological than a biological. You can be caffeine free in about two to three days but there are some withdrawals.

Withdrawals of Caffeine

Some of the withdrawals of caffeine are as follows headaches, sleepiness, irritability, lethargy, constipation, depression, muscle pain and stiffness, lack of concentration, flu-like symptoms, and sometimes insomnia. No one likes to feel any of these and