Caffeine abuse & addiction

The issue of students keeping themselves awake with black coffee or Pro Plus is not a new one – but is the increasing popularity and availability of high caffeine colas and so-called ‘energy’ drinks causing even younger girls to indulge? What are the signs to look out for and what can you do to help?

The consumption of caffeine may lead to teenagers experiencing an energy boost and increased mental alertness, but over-consumption can lead to disrupted sleeping patterns, irritability and ‘caffeine lows’ during the day. As parents you should:

• realise that some young people may choose to take stimulants whilst revising late in the evening or prior to examinations in order to boost their alertness.
• be aware of the pressure points in your daughters’ homework, study and examination timetables so you can monitor her wellbeing.
• try to reinforce messages from schools that pupils should have sensible sleeping hours, a healthy balanced diet and regular breaks in study.

If you are concerned about caffeine abuse,watch out for the following:

• Is her behaviour erratic and/or hyperactive?
• Is she suffering from unusual numbers of headaches, irritability, or lack of concentration – these are all signs of caffeine withdrawal.
• Is she drinking increasing or excessive amounts of fizzy drinks such as Colas and Red Bull?

What to do if you see signs of caffeine abuse:

• Offer your daughter alternatives to the drinks she is consuming
• Talk toher school to see if they are seeing the same signs. They will be able to reassure you if there is not a problem or step in to help, perhaps providing access to independent advice or a counsellor should it prove necessary.
• Make sure she knows the facts. Younger girls canbe persuaded into trying tablets such as pro plus and high caffeine drinks without realising they can do any harm. They will know that it is not illegal and may therefore assume there is no danger. Explain that excess caffeine can cause behavioural changes and ultimately lead to addiction.
• Follow the links for more information on caffeine and beating caffeine addictions.

If you are concerned about your daughter’s stress levels encourage her to try some of the following:

• Recognise your symptoms of stress. If you are getting stressed, talking – with relatives, friends, a house mistress, tutor or the school nurse – will help put things in perspective and help you decide on a course of action
• Good nutrition will aid the body’s mechanisms for coping with stress. Drink plenty of water too.
• Get enough sleep. Sleep is vital for your well being.
• Physical activity is a good way to release the stress hormones from your body. Try a stretching routine, swim, cycle, dance or take a walk.

The Medical facts:

While caffeine can have beneficial effects in terms of increased alertness and an ability to tolerate sleep deprivation, which is probably why many people use this during exam periods as an aid to revision, higher doses can result in a number of adverse effects including increased nervousness, anxiety, insomnia, palpitations, tremor, headache and mild confusional symptoms which would certainly have an adverse effect on exam performance. While caffeine use is of course quite legal, it is important to make girls aware of the problems that excess caffeine may have.

In particular, many people do not realise the high caffeine content present in a number of common beverages and stimulant drinks which are heavily advertised as substances that will enhance people’s general performance. As a result, an awareness and education about the effects of caffeine are extremely important and are areas that teachers may well discuss while advising their pupils about how to prepare for examinations and in PSHCE sessions.