Did you know that 80% of people living in the United States consume caffeine, while 50% of this sub-group consumes this substance on a daily basis in coffee, energy drinks, and other infused beverages? Of course, you may have already been aware that caffeine is not only one of the most widely used drugs in the United States but also one of the most revered. After all, who doesn’t love a cup of coffee or black tea in the morning or a piece of chocolate as an afternoon treat? So, if it’s technically a drug, does that mean you can overdose on caffeine? In short, the answer is “yes.” If you decide to overindulge on the substance, caffeine does pose a potentially life-threatening health risk. In fact, from 2004 to 2005, caffeine-related visits to the emergency rooms rose from 2,787 to 3,103. So, what makes the supposedly harmless caffeine such a dangerous drug? Let’s take a closer look and find out some more information.
Dangerous Quantity of Caffeine
Keep in mind that the “dangerous quantity” of caffeine varies greatly but largely depends on the user’s weight. In any other case involving drugs, people with a higher body mass can consume more of a drug without problems, in contrast to a lighter weight person. On average, though, about 150 to 200 milligrams of caffeine is technically considered a “lethal dose.” Likewise, ingesting 3 milligrams per kilogram above the recommended dose (for dietary purposes) can trigger adverse side effects. For example, a child would be ingesting lethal doses of caffeine if they consumed an energy drink.
Can a Caffeine Overdose Kill Me?
In a majority of cases, you will most likely not die from a caffeine overdose, but your symptoms will be unbelievably unpleasant. Common side effects of this predicament include anxiety, aggression, high blood pressure (hypertension), low blood pressure (hypotension), arrythmia (unusual heart beat), panic attacks, and additional emotional and physical problems. If a person does die during this situation, he or she has most likely suffered from heart problems triggered by the caffeine overdose.
Seeking Treatment for Drug Abuse or Addiction
Drug abuse and addiction are very real and very dangerous aspects of our society and should not be taken lightly. From prescription painkillers to marketable drugs like caffeine, a long lineup of substances is waiting to help or ruin our lives, if we just make the right decisions. Remember, it is never too late for you to get help for your problems. Are you suffering from a case of drug abuse or addiction? Do you have a friend who is also coping with this severe health scare? In both cases, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our professional team of counselors and healthcare experts are ready to walk you through every step of the rehabilitation process and guide you towards living a happier, healthier, and freer lifestyle.
If you are interested in one of our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how to put a stop to your drug problems today.
