At what point do you consider that a substance is “controlling you”?
I ask, not because I think I’m being controlled, but simply, because I really really enjoy the effects of coffee and sometimes feel like I can’t make it through the workday without having a travel mug worth….or two. This also stems from what I consider an asinine comment made by someone on Facebook (go figure). The original status he made was “still going strong after 12 hours of training clients and not a drop of coffee was required” or some such thing. I asked why he would deprive himself of such a delectable treat. His short (both in length and in tone) response was, “I don’t ever want to be controlled by a substance.”
Ok, I get it. But really?! Coffee?! You’re going to draw the line at coffee?! That little exchange has stuck with me for several months because I cannot comprehend the mindset in which he *believes* that coffee (caffeine) is a controlling substance.
Fast forward to now, and here I am questioning my own beliefs and definitions of “controlling”.
Here is my love-love relationship with coffee, and I will let you conclude for me whether or not it is controlling me.
Pro-tip: Regardless of what you say, I doubt I will alter my actions….cuz I’m stubborn like that and perfectly happy. :-p
As I stated earlier, I usually drink an 18oz. travel mug of coffee on the way to work in the morning. It wakes me up and allows me to concentrate (somewhat) on the mind-numbing, soul crushing work that is electrical engineering at this company. Sometimes I will have another mug after lunch if I am particularly exhausted that day for whatever reason. I typically drink it for the same wake-up reasons, nothing more.
If I don’t have coffee, I don’t turn into some sort of raging, super uber-nerd looking to destroy any and all of those who oppose my thoughts or work progress. I do not get the withdrawl shakes. I don’t actively seek any and all means of getting coffee in my system. I simply start falling asleep at my desk….or at least have to fight really hard to not do so.
So, could I go a day, 2 days, 54 days without coffee? Yes, I could. My work output would be slightly less. I probably wouldn’t be as happy and cheery, but I also wouldn’t snap at co-workers either. The most notable effect would be my nodding head at my desk.
I simply drink coffee for the alertness. If I’m tired, I drink coffee. If I’m not, I don’t. It just so happens that I am tired every single morning.
So does that make me an addict? Are you being controlled? You tell me.
I knew I had to change something when I spent nearly 60 in one month on coffee.
After my last trip to Minneapolis I began testing various energy drinks and reducing my coffee intake to two cups, max.
Lately, I can get away with one cup a few hours after waking up and then a Monster or some NO BS drink powder before a lift.
Also, I found that if I drink my coffee right when I wake up, I will be craving another cup very soon. If I wait until a few hours into my day, it hits me like a line of Charlie Sheen. And then Im all high. It’s great.
Cheers (mug to mug!)
$60/month on coffee?! Sounds like our comrade Piers.
Nice job on reducing your cravings. I need to do that with pizza. And chocolate. Though, why? My physique goals are still progressing. Haha!
I rarely ever, if ever, crave for coffee. Which is the main reason I feel like I am not being controlled by it.
If you can go 1 day, 2 days, 54 days without coffee, than no I don’t think you are a coffee addict. Your love for coffee does not make you a coffee addict either. I am too a coffee lover but like you I can go without it. Like pretty much all of us, we drink it for the alertness. But don’t take me wrong, there are some serious coffee addict out there that cannot go a day without it!
Carolle,
Thank god someone that runs a coffee blog agrees with me. or wait, is that like the coke addict telling the crack addict everything is ok? Hahaha!
Thanks for the comment!
“It just so happens that I am tired every single morning.”
Don’t you sleep at night? I go the opposite way. I drink decaffeinated coffee in the morning, and then often, regular coffee in the afternoon. Maybe I’m weird, but if I’ve just been sleeping, I shouldn’t be tired and need the pick-me-up.
I’m not exactly judging, but doesn’t that ^ make sense?
Your theory is sound, but the application has holes. You are assuming I get enough sleep each night and that I wake up completely rested. I am lucky if that happens once a week, including weekends.
As for the decaf, no way. Like I said, I’m here for the caffeine buzz, not the flavor. 😉
Dave, I am with you on your reply to kellydna!
Hmmm, interesting post. I LOVE coffee. I’m kinda a coffee snob. I don’t like drip (ick). I’m a latte kind of gal and make lattes during the week to save on funds. I treat myself with “professionally” made lattes on the weekend (I used to be a barista so I think I do the best that I can with a $150 retail machine that cost me $6 on clearance at Bed, Bath and Beyond, I digress). Anyway, I like the way coffee tastes. I don’t like any fancy flavors or sugar – just a plain latte – hot or iced is my cup of choice. I think if you get headaches when you don’t get your daily cup of Joe, you might have a problem and you may feel physically better if you cut back. Doesn’t sound to me like you have a problem. People that thump their chest because they don’t drink coffee or eat chocolate or sugar or cheeseburgers or whatever annoy me, but I am easily annoyed. Anyway, I don’t think you are being controlled and I don’t think I’m being controlled by coffee. And I think some people need to get off their self-righteous horse (not you, but Mr. 12 hours without coffee guy). 🙂 Cheers!
I like you. And that *has* to count for something, right?
Lately I’m so busy with my new job at the Embassy,, I can’t read your blog regularly. After I read this post, I feel like I have to make time so I can stop by more often. Needless to say,, I’m also a coffee lover. Nice topic,, Dave:)
As for me,, drinking decaf coffee is like kissing your gay friend. it’s pointless and useless 🙂
_Devy
I always love your comments, and yes, you do need to stop by more frequently. Especially now that I’m back to writing more often again.
As for kissing my gay friend….I don’t do that. No need in leading them on. That just leaves broken hearts for me to clean up. :-p
Huh, I just find this article, then I see that I’m already here, kinda. You’re not wrong either, Dave, I think $60 in coffee would probably be a light month for me. I’m sure I’ve had more than one $40+ week infact. :-
I am known to be constantly shippin’ keys of uncut Colombian. Rappers are talking about coffee, right?
Anyway, I obviously don’t see anything wrong with your coffee consumption. Caffeine is so easy to demonise, so some people will knee jerk and say otherwise.
Shit, I’ve got way too much that cones to mind in relation to this and how people seem to perceive an invisible “drug” line regarding consumed substances.
Care for a guest post submission instead of me rambling it all here?
I will gladly accept a guest post. And in return, I shall send you the finest Foldgers money can buy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QkvclQrEBk interesting clip.
it’s about brain on caffeine.