Caffeine is everywhere—energy drinks, soda, diet pills, weight loss drinks, headache medication, coffee, etc., etc. It is one of the most widely consumed substances in the US and the world. In fact, it is a drug—it produces temporary stimulant effects on the body and is habit-forming. The prevalence of caffeine is such that some become dependent on it without even realizing it. Even high school students use it and eventually “need” it to get through the day. Can caffeine harm your teen’s health? What are the risks?
Caffeine Is A Drug
Caffeine is the most popular mood-altering drug in current use today. It is obtained from various plants (like the cola nut or the cacao pod), and by itself has a strong bitter taste. However, most beverages cover up caffeine’s natural taste by using other chemicals and lots of sugar.
At high dosages, caffeine can be toxic. Moderate use produces temporary increases in alertness, energy and mood. With continued use, the body forms a tolerance to caffeine and eventually requires more of the caffeine source (such as coffee or Coke) to produce the same effect. Further, like all other drugs, interruption of caffeine consumption in someone who has developed a tolerance can produce withdrawal symptoms: headaches, irritability, stomach pains, insomnia or drowsiness, inability to concentrate, etc.
Dependency Unhealthy For A Developing Teenage Body
The number one thing to consider when looking at the health of your teen is that the body of an adolescent is still developing. The brain, bones and muscles rapidly scan for nutrients they can use for growth and strength, both mentally and physically. The saying, “You are what you eat,” is very true especially for youth. What you feed the body is what it will use (or not be able to use) to develop itself and grow. A dependency on a substance as seemingly harmless as caffeine is more damaging to Americans that is commonly thought.
Caffeine can prevent the bones from properly developing. The bones of teens are like sponges; they need every bit of calcium they can get. Unfortunately, caffeine blocks the body from assimilating calcium. This poses the risk of stunted growth as well as an inability of the bones to achieve their full strength. This fact alone answers the question, “Can caffeine harm your teen’s health?”
Adult caffeine users are at the same risk, only continued use into older age can precipitate problems related to bone density and joint strength (like arthritis and osteoporosis). Heart problems like hyperension and arrhythmia are also associated to caffeine use.
More Facts About Caffeine
An estimated 80-90% of North American adults and children consume caffeine, and about 15% have discontinued use entirely, due to health concerns and an experience of unwanted side effects from caffeine use.
Average caffeine intake amongst Americans is about 280mg per day. Consumption of even just 30mg, or even less, each day can lead to physical tolerance, dependency and withdrawal symptoms upon ceasing to use caffeinated products.
About 70% of soft drinks contain caffeine—not just Coke. Even some ice creams, yogurts and lemon-lime drinks contain caffeine.
As part of Narconon drug addiction prevention lectures teens are often taught that are drugs are poisons. This, to a degree includes caffeine. For example a small amount of the drug is a stimulant, an even larger amount a depressant and if one would take enough caffeine it could kill.
This is in a very, very large amount probably not consumable my most adults.
For more information on Narconon drug addiction information or news on teen caffeine use, contact us today.