Coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the world, consumed by millions of people every day. That being said, caffeine is actually a drug. So are you sober if you drink coffee? Well, the short answer is...
Coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the world, consumed by millions of people every day. That being said, caffeine is actually a drug. So are you sober if you drink coffee? Well, the short answer is yes. However, for people in recovery from addiction, the impact of coffee consumption on their recovery process may not be as straightforward.
How Caffeine Affects The Brain
Technically, caffeine is considered a psychoactive drug, and actually affects the same parts of the brain as cocaine, only it does it in a different way. With that in mind, to understand how coffee plays into recovery, we first need to look at how caffeine affects the brain.
Positive Effects Of Caffeine
Caffeine, the primary active ingredient in coffee, affects the brain by binding to adenosine receptors in the brain. Adenosine is a neurotransmitter that promotes sleep and suppresses arousal. When caffeine binds to adenosine receptors, it blocks the effects of adenosine, leading to increased arousal, alertness, and energy.
In addition to blocking adenosine receptors, caffeine also increases the levels of several other neurotransmitters in the brain, including dopamine, norepinephrine, and acetylcholine. These neurotransmitters are involved in a variety of processes, including mood, attention, and memory.
Negative Effects Of Caffeine
However, caffeine can also have negative effects on the brain, particularly in high doses. Consuming too much caffeine can lead to increased nervousness, anxiety, and insomnia. This is because caffeine can interfere with the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle, making it more difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep.
In addition to these short-term effects, chronic caffeine consumption can also lead to changes in the brain over time. Studies have shown that long-term caffeine consumption can alter the levels of several neurotransmitters in the brain, including dopamine, which can lead to changes in mood and behavior.
Overall, while caffeine can have positive effects on the brain, such as increased alertness and focus, it is important to consume it in moderation and be aware of the potential negative effects on sleep and anxiety.
How Coffee Affects Sobriety
Let me start first by saying I am in no way against drinking coffee. In fact, I probably drink more coffee than I should. For most people a little caffeine is harmless. That being said, lets take a deeper look at how this all plays into sobriety.
On the one hand, coffee can provide a boost of energy and help people stay focused and alert during the recovery process. This can be particularly helpful for someone dealing with withdrawal symptoms or feeling fatigued from the recovery process.
However, on the other hand, coffee can also trigger anxiety, nervousness, and insomnia, which can make the recovery process more challenging. For example, if you are going through withdrawal and already feeling anxious, a cup of coffee might not be the best idea. It will probably only make matters worse.
Furthermore, for someone already dealing with stress and emotional challenges, the added boost from coffee can have a negative impact on their ability to manage those emotions.
The Positive Effects Of Drinking Coffee In Recovery
Let’s start by covering some of the possible benefits of drinking coffee when getting sober.
Improved Cognitive Function and Focus
One of the primary benefits of drinking coffee is that it can improve cognitive function and focus. Studies have shown that caffeine can enhance cognitive performance, memory, and attention. This can be particularly helpful during early recovery, as many people experience difficulties with attention and focus.
Increased Energy and Motivation
Another benefit of drinking coffee is that it can increase energy levels and motivation. This can be especially helpful for someone who may experience fatigue and lack of motivation as they adjust to life without drugs or alcohol. The caffeine in coffee can provide a natural energy boost and improve mood, which can help individuals stay motivated and engaged in their recovery.
Reduced Risk For Type 2 Diabetes
Drinking coffee has also been linked to a reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes. This is because caffeine can increase insulin sensitivity and improve glucose metabolism. Type 2 diabetes is a common health complication associated with addiction, and reducing the risk of developing this condition can be an important factor in overall health and wellness during recovery
Reduced Risk For Parkinson's Disease
Finally, drinking coffee has been linked to a reduced risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s is a neurological disorder that affects movement and can be caused by a variety of factors, including drug and alcohol abuse. While the exact mechanism is not yet fully understood, studies have found that caffeine may have neuroprotective effects that can help reduce the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease.
Negative Effects Of Drinking Coffee In Recovery
While it may seem fairly harmless there are a few possible negative effects that can come with drinking coffee , especially during early recovery.
Increased Anxiety and Nervousness
One potential drawback of drinking coffee during the recovery process is that it can increase feelings of anxiety and nervousness. Caffeine can cause the release of cortisol, a stress hormone. This can lead to increased feelings of anxiety and nervousness, which can be overwhelming for someone in early recovery who may already be dealing with high levels of stress and anxiety.
Disrupted Sleep Patterns
Another potential drawback of drinking coffee while in recovery is that it can disrupt sleep patterns. Caffeine can interfere with the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle, making it more difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep. This can be particularly problematic for someone in early recovery, as sleep disturbances are a common symptom of withdrawal and can contribute to overall feelings of fatigue.
A lack of sleep combined with increased anxiety can lead some people to relapse if they a still getting used to being sober. If you are struggling with getting a good nights rest be sure to read, How To Get Better Sleep In Early Sobriety. Even if you have a few years of clean time, the tips in this article can help you put an end to the sleepless nights.
Gastrointestinal Issues
Drinking coffee can also cause gastrointestinal issues, such as stomach pain, nausea, and diarrhea. Admittedly, if you are healthy a simple cup of coffee probably won’t cause you any problems. However, if you are already dealing with stomach issues due to substance use, or if you are going through withdrawal, drinking coffee can exacerbate those symptoms.
Vitamin Absorption
Studies suggest that caffeine, whether found in coffee, tea, or other sources, may interfere with vitamin and mineral absorption. In particular, because caffeine is a diuretic, many water soluble vitamins such as the B vitamins and vitamin C may be depleted due to fluid loss. Nutrition is an important aspect of the recovery process as it affects both you physical and mental health.
Moderation Is Key
Like most things in life, moderation is key. As I said before, in no way am I telling you that you shouldn’t drink coffee. I am actually drinking a cup of coffee right now, as I am writing this. I just want to give you the facts so that you can make the best choices for your own recovery.
“It’s amazing how the world begins to change through the eyes of a cup of coffee.” Donna A. Favors
If coffee is a bit to strong you can always switch to tea! I actually enjoy tea more than coffee because I can take a large thermos to work with me and not be shaking by lunch. Anyway, the point is that coffee can be a helpful way to start the day but it can also have some unintended consequences if you over do it.
Things To Consider
In addition to moderation, there are several other things to keep in mind when it comes to drinking coffee while in addiction recovery, including:
Timing: Drinking coffee later in the day can disrupt sleep patterns, which can have a negative impact on the recovery process.Quality: Drinking high-quality, organic coffee can help to reduce the risk of ingesting harmful chemicals and additives that can be found in lower quality coffee.Alternatives: For people who are sensitive to caffeine or who want to avoid coffee altogether, there are several alternatives, such as herbal tea and decaf coffee.Alternatives To Coffee
If you want to avoid coffee all together, there are several alternatives that provide the same benefits. Personally I like switching it up every now and then.
So, Are You Sober If You Drink Coffee?
Yes, caffeine is technically a psychoactive drug, but so is the nicotine found in cigarettes. Mental health medications are considered psychoactive drugs as well. If we counted using these substances as not being sober, then almost no one would be.
The question to ask yourself is, “Does caffeine cause problems in my life?”. If so, then yea, you might want to look into that. If not, I wouldn’t worry about it. I’m certainly not giving up caffeine anytime soon. Let me know how you much you love coffee and leave a comment! I hope this article gave you a better understanding of how coffee affects addiction recovery.
About The Author
Elijah M'aidez is a Certified Peer Specialist, SMART Recovery Facilitator, and CBT coach practitioner. He has years of experience practicing mindfulness meditation and is currently working on getting his Master's Degree in Social work. He hopes to bring more awareness to mental health and addiction while empowering those suffering to find a better life in recovery.
