There are many addictions in society today. Drugs, alcohol and now one that is quiet, but still relevant; caffeine. Caffeine addiction is defined by The Verywell Mind as the excessive and/or harmful use of caffeine over a period of time, which has negative effects on your health, social interactions, or other areas of your life. 

Caffeine is easy to access, as you can simply go to your local Dunkin Donuts, Starbucks, or even a gas station for a Coca-Cola. With the business of students’ day to day lives, they are prone to seek out something that seems harmless, especially if it is so easy to access and that gives them the boost that they need to get through their day or even their late night 

According to Medical News Today, studies have indicated that 83.2 percent of teenagers consume caffeinated beverages regularly, and at least 96 percent consume them occasionally. High school students are constantly balancing schoolwork with home life or even extracurriculars and a job, so it is not surprising that they have started seeking a beverage that can keep their energy up and running. While this seems like a good option, it actually has plenty of negative side effects for those who continuously consume caffeine. 

Medical News Today also reported that heavy use of caffeine can cause nervousness, anxiety, sleep problems, gastrointestinal disturbances, tremors and increased heart rate. So while students struggling to balance their busy lives resort to a caffeinated beverage, they are actually putting themselves at risk of something much worse than low energy or sleepiness. 

While there are short term effects like anxiety and nervousness, there are long term effects that many do not see. According to Healthline, excessive caffeine intake causes a fast heart rate, increased urination, nervousness, anxiety, stomach upsets and insomnia. These  long term effects and even short term effects of caffeine put every sleepy student at risk of an unhealthy lifestyle disguised as a healthy alternative to being sleepy or unenergized. But caffeine addiction is real, and it is dangerous.

Do not feel discouraged though, there are healthy alternatives to drinking caffeine. According to Healthline, matcha tea is a good option. It is a type of green tea that reduces your risk of high blood pressure and has also been associated with reduced weight and body fat, as well as a lower risk of type 2 diabetes. 

Yet another healthy alternative to coffee is chicory coffee, which Healthline also said is a good option that tastes very similar to coffee but is actually caffeine free. The drink is very high in the beneficial fiber insulin, which may aid in digestion and support a healthy gut.

While pulling away from caffeine may be a struggle, don’t lose hope. There are plenty of healthy alternatives that will lead to a happier, healthier life.