When a Caffeine Fix Turns to Caffeine Addiction: a look into caffeine abuse on college campuses

Historically, college students and caffeine have shared a close relationship because of their inherent need for the other. Increased workload and stress need energy and energy means caffeine. But how much is too much when it comes to a quick pick-me-up, and, is it actually helping us study? 

The national recommended caffeine intake is roughly 200-300 milligrams, or three cups, a day. Comparatively, from Marshall University to the University of Kentucky, college students consume over five times this amount. This number increases further during periods of heightened stress, such as finals week.

Roughly 30 percent of students drink 3 or more cups of coffee before completing an exam or project
Source

Caffeine intake is intensified across college campuses because of the heightened stress that students are under. Students at the University of New Hampshire say that they rely more heavily on caffeinated products in their daily routines because of their hectic schedules of balancing exams, homework, and socializing.

The number one reason for caffeine consumption is to feel more alert

Boston University students share that sentiment. "I almost never drink caffeine," said Rivkah Smith (SAR '17). "The only time I rely on it is during finals." 

Smith studies in Mugar Library with Starbucks in hand

Students at The University of Kentucky cite similar trends to the above campuses. According to a study conducted by Dr. Melody Noland and doctoral student Gary Eugene McIlvain, more than 78 percent of students at UK consume above the recommended 200mg of caffeine per day. On average, students are consuming three to five times more than this recommendation. Noland finds that the most significant contributing factors to UK's increased caffeine intake are focus, to stay awake and remain alert.

Caffeine consumption at American University has received so much attention that psychology professor Laura Juliano released a study that indicates that more people are dependent on caffeine and suffer withdrawal symptoms than ever before. Juliano says that the solution is to treat caffeine addiction like any other drug addiction - with psychological therapy.

Caffeine Use Disorder causes physical dependence and caffeine intoxication

NPR shared survey data from the NPD group that shows a drastic increase in caffeine consumption, namely coffee, in 18-24 year-olds. In ten years, from 2002 to 2012, coffee consumption in this age group jumped to 39 percent from 25 percent. 

While college students find that quick pick-me-up all too alluring during times of high stress, too much of it can warrant undesirable side effects.

According to NPR, coffee is getting in the way of a good night's sleep for college student and directly affects academic performance. Aside from keeping students awake, too much caffeine consumption can lead to anxiety and raised tension and blood pressure.

The way in which college students consume caffeine - all day, every day - makes them extremely susceptible to caffeine addiction. 

Katya Gonzalez-Willett, a junior at BU (QSB '17) warns, "Caffeine is not worth the complications; I used to live on diet soda, especially around finals time. It started causing all kinds of stomach problems, so my doctor said I had to stop." 

Caffeine addiction can destroy the stomach lining, leading to constant discomfort

According to Business Insider, some campuses are more jittery than others. Data from GrubHub shows that some students pack up to 10 percent of their online food orders with coffee, espresso and energy drinks. The delivery site ranked the student bodies with the highest percentage of their total orders that contain caffeinated beverages.

GrubHub finds that the most common caffeinated orders are vanilla lattes and Red Bulls

94 percent of college students admit to consuming caffeine on a daily basis, making it the most widely used drug on college campuses.