Confessions of a Caffeine Addict

I am a caffeine addict. I admit it. Ever since I started college I have “needed” caffeine to make it through classes, projects, internships and weekend fun.  The kick usually comes in the form of sugar-filled coffee (I’ll drink any kind… as long as there is enough junk in there to ensure it doesn’t taste like coffee) and soda products.  I haven’t sunk as low as energy drinks yet.

That being said, you can imagine my dilemma this past week when I had to choose between being significantly late for work or having my morning Caramel Macchiato. I thought about justifying my actions by entering the office and saying, “Well, I just can’t be productive without caffeine. So, I wasn’t really doing this for myself, but for the company.” Ridiculous right? Maybe, but to a true caffeine addict that’s a perfectly good excuse for being late to work.  We’ll find ourselves saying and doing ridiculous things to hide the truth.

I decided the time had come to take a stand. Someone had to stop the madness. I told myself I would drive past Dunkin’ Donuts, Starbucks and Wawa and arrive to work on time.  So I did. And you know what? I survived the day. Even better, I discovered I actually felt better without coffee. I know that coffee brewers all over the world will faint from this news, but it’s true. I discovered I don’t need caffeine as much as I thought.

So my tale of tragedy and tribulation ends on a somewhat happy note. I know I will still have an occasional cup of java or soda during work. And there will always be days where I need a little extra motivation in the morning. But I’m proud to say I broke through the chains that were binding me and convincing me I needed this drug called caffeine to make it through life.  Chalk it up as one for the good guys.

If you or someone you know is a caffeine addict, simply comment on this post and share your story. Remember that acceptance of a problem is the first step to resolving it.  And be strong. It is possible to lead a life without caffeine.

- Haley