Overcoming Addiction

Addicted is a strong word that many of us believe we will never have to use when describing ourselves; however, I found out I was an addict. While it might not have been an addiction to any hard drug, it was still deteriorating to my health. I was addicted to caffeine, or more specifically, Dr. Pepper.

I began drinking pop when I stopped drinking milk out of a bottle. Caffeine has always been a part of my diet and I can not remember a time without it. It got to the point where I would drink five or six cans of pop everyday and still want more. It was my go to when I was thirsty, my drink of choice when I had a meal, it became the only thing I ever drank. I remember my cross country teammates telling me if I quit drinking pop that my times would get faster, and of course I knew they were right. I would reply with a joking answer, knowing they were right. But how could I give up something that tasted so good? It was the only thing I ever wanted to drink. So I decided to give it up for a week and see how it went.

I began doing research on the effects that caffeine withdrawal would have on my body. There were many sites I found listing all the terrible things I thought I would have to endure, each more frightening than the last. Here is one that has a nearly complete list of all the side effects: (http://mentalhealthdaily.com/2014/03/25/caffeine-withdrawal-symptoms-how-long-do-they-last-average-timeline-varies/). While reading about all of the side effects, I could not help but think of changing my experiment. I could just try writing with my right hand for a week, or not ride the bus, but I was still determined to overcome my addiction.

The first day of my experiment arrived and remember that I was almost scared to go on a caffeine free diet. I fought through an early morning headache, which morphed into an afternoon headache, which then transferred into an evening headache. Needless to say, the first day was less than ideal. The first day was terrible simply by virtue of the fear that played into it. It was only by drinking a coffee in the late evening that I felt that I would be able to fall asleep that night.

The following days had their varying forms of punishment. The headaches went from bad to nonexistent to worse; however, the headaches were one of the least threatening side effects. There were also cramps in my neck that developed a few days into the experiment that left me lethargic and moody. While I have read many articles stating mood swings would be a side effect, I have no recollection of myself having any of these (maybe my friends would disagree). Although, I believe myself to be lucky considering how little I was affected overall. The one thing that drove me up a wall was the intense cravings. I could taste the cold sugary liquid constantly. Every time I had a meal or snack I could feel it burning that back of my throat. Whenever I craved the drink is when the headaches got more intense. At times, it was like torture.

One thing I learned; however, was that I could actually do something I had at first thought impossible. With the encouragement of my friends (and a cup of coffee here and there) I was able to overcome my addiction. Here I am weeks later on a no pop diet and I could not be happier. I do still get cravings and I do still get headaches; but, I believe I have made a decision to be a healthier me. I have even been healthier in my eating habits that I have attributed to my lack of pop. I have gone out of my way to eat more fruits and veggies. I have eaten less greasy foods and replaced them with healthier alternatives. I am truly amazed at the effects of my new diet.

To anyone who is trying to quit drinking pop, or any other addiction, no matter how severe, I promise it is rewarding. It will be a hard and rocky road to the finish line but you will not be on that road alone. There are plenty of others who have overcome something they previously viewed as impossible, myself included. My only regret is this: I wish I would have quit drinking pop sooner.