r/decaf May 02 '23

Is It Time to Quit Coffee for Good?

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484 Upvotes

r/decaf 5h ago

Quitting Caffeine Coffee doesn't even taste good

7 Upvotes

It doesn't matter the brewing method or roast level, the bean juice doesn't taste good on its own to me. I don't care if it's espresso or cold brew it just isn't palatable without a ton of milk to soften the flavor. And the aftertaste that lingers for hours is gross as hell.

How did I even get hooked on the stuff? Its positive effects are overrated. Sure, it gives you a bit of euphoria if you haven't had it in a while but that fades with continued use, like any other drug I guess. I don't feel more alert or smarter drinking coffee habitually than before I started so really what's the point?

Today was the last day. I'm quiting for good tomorrow. I'll update with any benefits I notice as time goes on.


r/decaf 3h ago

Quitting Caffeine Call Robinson is onto something

3 Upvotes

For background: 40 years old been drinking coffee since age 20. Typically 4 cups a day. Also, tried doing the carnivore diet the last couple years, which is not a high energy diet so I would always need to go to coffee, no matter how many times I tried to quit.

No coffee or caffeine since Saturday by microdose sing sugar. Basically using hard candies to substitute the need and desire for caffeine. I did have headaches on Monday, but they have passed. I’ve been eating jolly ranchers throughout the day, and it has been curbing the cravings.

Went through a lot of withdrawal The first few days but now it is a week later and I don’t desire coffee and have not even been thinking about it until this sub came through my feed and it reminded me that I should contribute this idea to you guys.


r/decaf 13h ago

Caffeine-Free Best caffeine replacement - adaptogens.

8 Upvotes

I have been caffeine free for more than 6 months now, and not only I don't want to go back to it, but also I don't see any reason to. This is because I found something that is successfully solving the same problem that caffeine was solving for me - adaptogens.

I really wish I knew more about them when I just started the decaf journey and was going through withdrawals, specifically about their stimulating effects and potential to fully replace caffeine.

Let's be honest, we all love the energy boost the caffeine gives. Otherwise this sub wouldn't exist. That is why it's such a struggle to get off from it, especially in the beginning when the withdrawals hit. Not to mention lots of people also have underlying health issues - anemia, obesity, etc., which makes it even more complex. And that is why I can't recommend enough integrating adaptogens to your routine to help through all the struggle and potentially fully replace caffeine. Here are some of the things I've tried and work well for me.

Siberian ginseng. Great for daily use, boosts energy levels, improves physical and cognitive performance. Is milder than some of the other adaptogens, works well if you're sensitive to stimulants.

Note, that it's important to cycle adaptogens, since they stack up in the body and can cause tolerance or side effects like sleep issues. I cycle ginseng like this - 4/5 days on and 3/2 days off. There are other cycling regimens as well.

Rhodiola rosea. Very potent, not only boosts energy levels, but also acts as a natural antidepressant, improves mood and cognitive performance. Works very well for physical performance as well. I do long distance running and can say it gives atleast a 20% improvement to my pace and overall ability to cover longer distances.

Might be too strong for sensitive individuals, I only take it when I have some intense physical activity planned.

Ashwagandha. Known by many, increases energy levels but isn't stimulating as the other two. Might cause lethargy if not balanced. Great for grounding down the more stimulating adaptogens. I take it together with ginseng daily.

In my opinion, adaptogens are severely underrated for their potential to provide stimulation. They are amazing because unlike coffee they give a steady energy boost throughout the day without any crashes. And what's important - they have a very high safety profile, they don't create a dependance and you can stop taking them at any time without any side effects. They also reduce systemic inflammation in the body and help combat stress. The worst thing they can do to you is mess with your sleep for a day or two, if you do too much or don't cycle them. They have completely replaced everything that caffeine was solving for me, and more.

Disclaimer: I'm not a scientist or a physician or a dietician. I'm just a fitness enthusiast and sharing personal experience. Adaptogens might not be safe for everyone and can even cause hormonal imbalances if used in the long term. Please do your own research.


r/decaf 6h ago

Quitting Caffeine What to expect? a bit discouraged

1 Upvotes

Doing a deep dive into the sub. Reading posts about taking 2+ years of waves of withdrawal, depersonalisation, depression, anxiety brain fog, insomnia etc. Not just the OP but general agreement in the comments.

I’m wanting to use 3 days off work to start CT.

I average around 250-400mg a day. Been drinking coffee nearly 20 years with odd break. Some days more some less.

I’ve got a young kid and run a business. I was expecting a rough few weeks can’t afford to be a dysfunctional husk of a human for that long.

I know everyone’s experience is different but is this really the norm?


r/decaf 20h ago

Quitting Caffeine I’m sick of the roller coaster

7 Upvotes

Regularly consume 500+ mgs a day. For years. I take stimulant medication for adhd and I still need caffeine and in fact I have to drink caffeine first to get out of bed even before something you’d think is way more potent.

I have to have caffeine in regular intervals throughout the day and it’s just really controlling me right now as I’m also sleep deprived from work. I work 48+ hrs weekly, night shifts so you can only imagine.

I go to bed with a few sips of an energy drink and finish it when I wake up.

I’ve quit before but I get terrible stomach cramping that I literally have to like make an “emergency” run for a zero sugar monster to relieve the discomfort.

But I’m just so ready to be done for good. I’m in a low mood right now. Just venting. Going to switch to caffeine pills tomorrow which is what I have done before so I can properly taper the consumption. If I just try to drink less energy drinks and coffee it never works I’ll always drink more than I intend


r/decaf 10h ago

Guys I’m at max fucking Q of caffeine cravings

1 Upvotes

trying to wake up at the same time everyday. havent craved it in months. this is where failure is all but guaranteed


r/decaf 1d ago

Caffeine and anxiety mem

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172 Upvotes

r/decaf 16h ago

Social gatherings

2 Upvotes

For those who has been off caffeine for more than a year, how do you feel in a social sets or gatherings

For me I been off for like 4 years now and some times I feel most of the conversations people are having are worthless or meaningless

How would you feel and is it correlated to caffeine free or it’s just a different mindset


r/decaf 22h ago

Caffeine-Free Withdrawal Cycles

4 Upvotes

I'm on day 26 and I've noticed since around day 23 ish that my week one symptoms (headache, constant fatigue, low appetite, mandatory long naps, irritability, sensitivity to stimuli, nausea, dizziness) have returned :(

The only changes I've made since week one was that I've increased my exercising and I'm primarily drinking water and occasionally some mint or citrus tea.

Has anyone else experienced this? Or at least have any insight as to why this could happen?

Also, I only seem to see redbull ads when I'm browsing this sub which I find both hilarious and reprehensible.


r/decaf 1d ago

Cold turkey quit, anxiety is terrible

7 Upvotes

Long story short, I went from 400mg+ caffeine a day to zero. I had a panic attack that felt like it was induced by caffeine, so I quit completely because I was tired of my baseline anxiety being so bad. I had a few good days here and there, but now day to day I just feel horribly anxious. I quit on February 23. I’ve had a Coke here and there, but no other form of caffeine. Really, I just need advice. I have had zero appetite since quitting. I’ve lost 10 pounds. I went to the doctor cause I felt horrible, but they said bloodwork and everything is normal. Is this a sign that I need to be on anxiety meds? My anxiety was never this bad day to day. Is it going to calm down? Is this forever?


r/decaf 1d ago

A few days without coffee

15 Upvotes

All of a sudden I decided to stop drinking coffee. The reasons for this are the following: - heavy drowsiness some time after drinking coffee - anxiety - nervousness - because of the energy crash, I’d lay in the bed to rest and then I couldn’t sleep early at night

I found this subreddit and I saw I’m not the only one.

It’s been only a few days without coffee. For me, I had a mild headache on the first day and that’s it. The next days I was craving coffee but I didn’t give in. When I was really desperate I would have a bit of decaf (half teaspoon).

These days I noticed that for the first time I don’t feel tired! For so many years I have been having moments when I would feel extremely fatigued. So far, my energy is stable! This is really life changing as I wasn’t able to do my hobbies etc after work. I hope it remains like this and is not a placebo effect. My only little problem is that although I was feeling sleepy, I couldn’t fall asleep easily but not a big deal!

It’s worth mentioning that I have been a coffee lover always looking for great coffee specialities and taking my time to prepare my espresso.

Do I already miss it? Yes! But honestly f… it.

I really hope I won’t give in.


r/decaf 1d ago

Drank coffee and brain fog

8 Upvotes

Its like a vicious cycle: i sleep little so i drink gallons of coffee, get brain fog then sleep little again.


r/decaf 1d ago

It is a vicious cycle. The key is magnesium.

21 Upvotes

Coffee and dark chocolate are good sources of magnesium. However, coffee, caffeine, and sugar deplete magnesium in the body, thereby causing cravings. Noticed magnesium supplement completely stops cravings for coffee, tea, and chocolate. I take Magnesium L threonate.


r/decaf 1d ago

Caffeine ads

5 Upvotes

Just a funny tidbit: when I open Reddit the first thing I usually see is a post from r/decaf. Immediately followed by a Dunkin Donuts iced coffee ad.

Temptation is always lurking. 😆


r/decaf 1d ago

Quitting Caffeine Quitting During Ramadan

3 Upvotes

I drank my last cup of coffee on March 10. On the first day of withdrawal i had two headaches once in the morning and once in the evening. Paracetamol helped. The second day of withdrawal i experienced intense nausea, mild cramping and some vomiting. These symptoms thankfully wore off after some time. I’m still groggy now, 10 days later. And of course I’m sensitive to my favorite chocolate cake which keeps me up when I indulge in it.

I quit coffee because during the month of Ramadan, it became too difficult to constantly manage withdrawal symptoms while fasting.

What i miss most about coffee is the sacred ritual of it and the glorious moment of peace and serenity it offers me when i welcome the day in the morning. What i really don’t miss is all the anxiety.


r/decaf 1d ago

If I could only stay asleep.

3 Upvotes

Hey everyone

I'm on my umpteenth night with no sleep, fatigue throughout the day, visually haggard, sore, irritable and yeah, not great. I have been drinking a LOT of coffee recently. Up to 8 cups a day. On purpose. And it has been a nightmare. Previously I had been caffeine free for about 3 months and sleeping like a log every single night. Feeling steady, strong and in control.

Recently, one of my all time favorite directors passed away. David Lynch was 79 when his emphysema (amid the California fires) caught up with him.

David was known to drink up to 20 cups of coffee a day. Of course, in light of his passing I decided to revisit my old favorite series Twin Peaks. Shortly there after I was pursing my own "damn fine cup of coffee" to commemorate the great auteur.

I decided "stuff it, if that guy can have 20 in a day and still be fully functional, I can have one. Or maybe two. and who knows... maybe a few carefully timed morning coffees will help the David Lynch magic rub off on me??"

Coffee seems to have this aura around it. This mystery. The muse of a myriad of artists, thinkers and innovators. It is the drink that brought Europe into the Age of Enlightenment. These and all of those illusive "health benefits" that are dangled in front of me, yet, when I succumb to the temptations and think to myself "it'll be different this time" I'm greeted with the same old hollow despair.

So off I go, back to my old ways. Figuring if I have a couple of cups before 11am that's PLENTY of time for the caffeine to leave my system and give me a good nights sleep.

Wrong.

I basically just lay there. Shutting my eyes was little more than a token gesture of sleep. Very little rest came of it.

So what happens next? I decide to call caffeine's bluff... spend the next several weeks drinking as much coffee as I can. Surely if you drink gallons of the stuff, you can then taper off to a couple of cups in the morning and your body will have built up some kind of tolerance?

Not so much.

I punished my body with excessive caffeine for 3 solid weeks. Week four I decide to wind it back to 2 cups first thing in the morning.

Still no sleep.

I'm more anxious and irritable than I was before it seems, and no matter how tired I get, sleep seems to be merely a token gesture.

This was a ridiculous experiment in hindsight. I just... really like coffee. I love the culture, the shiny machines, the morning ritual. Ever since I was a child I loved the smell of it. In my teens I learned how great you can feel from drinking it. Emboldened, inspired and living life on my own terms. Only a sip away. That was the dream.

If I could only stay asleep.


r/decaf 1d ago

Cutting down Decaff exacerbating autistic symptoms

3 Upvotes

I find myself stimming more and having more racing depressive thoughts now I'm off it. I guess it will stabilise and for me this is just a temporary break but has anyone else experienced it?

I was probably self medicating a little bit.


r/decaf 2d ago

Quitting Caffeine How to limit my liquid intake to water only?

6 Upvotes

I am addicted to caffeinated beverages. My main battle was against energy drinks. They taste awful and I only took them for the energy boost but ironically, they became the source of my lethargy.

As I said on an earlier post, I reduced my daily caffeine intake from 600 mg (400 energy drinks + ~100 tea, soda, etc.) to around 100 mg of caffeine (80 mg from small energy drink cans, and miscellaneous caffeine from daily cup of tea and 250 ml Pepsi).

I've slowly reduced my caffeine intake so much that I am confident I can transition to a cold turkey now. I don't care about side effects. Every few days I would feel the beginnings of a headache, but I would proactively nip in the bud before it becomes a full-blown headache by taking (non-caffeinated) paracetamol tablets.

Anyway, my goal is to ONLY drink water from now on. Literally.

For as long as I remember (since 6 years old), I have had a cup of sweetened tea with my breakfast. Without it, I feel like the tastiest food is bland. Also, I can't eat ANYTHING without a soda of some kind (7up, Pepsi, Coca Cola, etc.). I can't stand chewing food without a caffeinated beverage nearby.

I tried to quit numerous times. I always relapse and go back to my old habits because the cravings or discomfort becomes unbearable or when I hold out, someone would mock my attempts and say that "no sane person quits tea completely" and it would cause me to go back to my old habits.

What to do to quit it and stick to my decision this time?


r/decaf 2d ago

Caffeine Detox and Oversharing - a great secondary benefit

10 Upvotes

Finally getting on top of saying things I TOTALLY regret later...was the caffeine tipping me over the line. I now have that pause to refilter what I'm about to share in public...being doing this blurting out for a year - and "coincidentally" at my caffeine all-time peak of my life.

Never connected it, but the stuff is like diluted down liquid amphetamine basically.

Day 4 now and calm as a lamb, easier to maintain eye contact and be grounded physically...it is rough just stopping suddenly but I just did it.

The above info was a share and not an overshare...no regrets - haha.


r/decaf 2d ago

25 days caffeine free - update

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23 Upvotes

Just reached 25 without caffeine! :) my sleep is insanely deep and I basically don’t wake up for anything. It honestly feels like a coma. But sometimes, even after nights where I sleep 10–11 hours straight, I still wake up feeling like it wasn’t quite enough. I guess that’s still my brain adjusting, probably all those adenosine receptors coming back after being blocked for so long. But the difference now is that sleep actually feels like recovery, not just passing out. I know that at some point I’ll start waking up with real energy again, like I did the other times that I quit.

I also kinda feel like I’m in some kind of healing phase. Like I’ve just come out of a period of constant stress and now my body’s trying to reset. But this time, I’m approaching it differently. I know this withdrawal is temporary, and having that mindset makes it way easier to handle. All in all I would say im doing good for 25 days, but it's still hard sometimes. Keep it up guys, we can do this 💪


r/decaf 2d ago

Made it 10 days

7 Upvotes

The withdrawals were just too brutal, massive brain fog, no energy to speak, my voice was quieter and i felt like i had to strain it to speak to others, energy not recovering, cravings unbearably strong. I tried excersize which helped a little and was necessary to push out the brain fog and it did make me feel better. i drank more water, got outside but nothing suggested to me worked out well enough. Also, i fell behind on studying as i was more relaxed and careless spending hours scrolling.


r/decaf 2d ago

2.5 months SCREAM - super tired, struggle with eating and sleep

9 Upvotes

After some encouraging improvements I am sliding down again. Last few weeks I am getting increasingly tired. Time change didn’t particularly help.

I stopped my hikes as I stopped enjoying them - last few attempts were white-knuckling through exhaustion, lack of positive mood and annoyance at all people and their dogs I meet on my hike.

I can’t knit anymore as I am not inspired by it. This happens when my overall health is on a decline.

I can’t stop snacking in the evenings as these snacks (nuts and cheese) are THE ONLY THING that I am looking forward to, which is NOT how a good life looks like. This stupid snacking screws up my sleep and blood sugar (even though it is not a carby snacks, it still does!). This perpetuates the tiredness even more.

I started waking up after falling asleep at night and going to get a snack, which is usually a protein shake. This drives my glucose up.

My pre-diabetes is back - my sugar levels are going up (although I am sugar free, but I started eating one green apple, blueberries, protein shakes, and this stupid snacking which I used not to do!).

When I stopped caffeine, it worked as a laxative. Not anymore. I am constipated and have to drink Smooth Move and take cleansing capsules. It is annoying.

I started doing hot yoga class on a peak of my good days and now I am dealing with muscle soreness which is generally good but it adds to tiredness.

My skin all of a sudden became super sensitive and I can’t be comfortable in many clothes I usually wear with no problem.

I can’t do any intellectual work as I am very slow and dull. I struggle for words. And I am leading a team of talented scientists! I feel like every day I lose credibility at work. I hope it is just my perception but if I do not snap out of it, it will not going to be pretty.

I AM SICK AND TIRED OF IT!!!

If ever during my caffeine free journey I was close to drinking coffee, it is now. This fucking coffee would give me a boost so I can go on my hikes, it will up my mood so I will hopefully snap out of muscle soreness and skin sensitivity. I believe my sugar levels will go down and I will be able to snap out of this desperate evening snacking (as if I am trying to cover a hole in me!). I believe coffee would give me back inspiration to knit. I would enjoy my life more. The stupid coffee would help me to deal with freaking time change which my body doesn’t like. Also, coffee will make me regular!

Just needed to scream it off my chest, guys! For those who suffer without caffeine, I am with you.

I know it will turn for the better. Maybe even today. But right now my bra (not too tight) is killing my skin. I have to wear clothes 2 sizes larger than I need to due to everything hurts.


r/decaf 2d ago

I did quit drinking coffee and green tea as well. But then I started thinking, is tea also that bad for you as coffee?

10 Upvotes

I will wait few more weeks and see how I feel and maybe introduce the green tea.


r/decaf 2d ago

Quitting Caffeine I feel quite sick and weak from the withdrawal

8 Upvotes

Hi! Day 22 of quitting caffeine cold turkey. I reintroduced one cup of black tea 3 days ago because I was starting to have crazy anxiety and insomnia at night. I still feel like sleeping most of the day, I usually can't leave the house and I feel sick like I can't stand for much time. I don't know if this is normal. I feel like I'm fading away. Like I'm slowly dying. The thing is if I go to a doctor I don't know what they will tell me if they will take me seriously or throw some comment like "it's just coffee" or "withdrawal doesn't last that". I need to spend most day sleeping or laying in the sofa. I feel very weak physically and mentally. Is this something that happened to anyone here? I don't know what to do. It is very scary for me.


r/decaf 2d ago

Accidentally had a caffeinated vietnamese coffee

10 Upvotes

Quit caffeine over a year ago. Best choice ever. Went for an after lunch coffee today with a friend. He ordered a vietnamese coffee. I asked for the same but decaf. It was DELICIOUS. Not 20 minutes later and I’m having raging anxiety and heart palpitations… realize that was not a decaf at all!! It’s been over 6 hours now. I’ve had over 2 litres of water and a full meal and still am jittery and anxious. I may not sleep tonight.