Has anyone quit drinking coffee after being a lifelong drinker?

Posted by elenchusis@reddit | Xennials | View on Reddit | 490 comments

I've heard that drinking coffee has helped people mentally, but I'm wondering if has had any physical benefits for people? I started drinking coffee at around 15 and have been a daily drinker since 20. I absolutely hate the idea of not drinking coffee, but I'm wondering how much my health would benefit from quitting.

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Batafurii8@reddit

I love coffee, it's so soothing and getting up to make it gives me a sense of having a foothold to start the day Unfortunately it also is very dehydrating and if I drink more than one cup it makes me uncomfortable instead of motivated. I am thinking of switching to decaf to keep the ritual and sensory perks, but I'm also considering giving it up all together to encourage myself to drink more water. If I take the plunge I'll report back

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GetrIndia@reddit

I'll drink coffee till I die.

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VinylHighway@reddit

No upside. coffee is healthy

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Switchbladekitten@reddit

At this point I can only handle like 6oz of caffeinated coffee per day and it’s so devastating to me. I have been drinking black coffee since I was like 16. I quit smoking and drinking and this is all I had left. 😭 So basically I’m transitioning to tea and it just ain’t the same.

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oodopopopolopolis@reddit

What about decaf?

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Switchbladekitten@reddit

Yeah I could do decaf espresso, but decaf regular coffee tastes like menthol to me…?! It’s so weird. I do get a lot of decaf espresso or espresso based drinks. 👍

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elenchusis@reddit (OP)

You should look at the brand's decaffeination process, as there are several ways to extract caffeine. The most widely used is chemical extraction (because it's cheapest), but there are non-chemical ways to extract it. I'd bet good money that the weird taste you get is a sensitivity to the chemical residues

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Switchbladekitten@reddit

Ewwwww I didn’t know there was a chemical used. I will definitely look into it, thanks!

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elenchusis@reddit (OP)

Fun fact: the chemical they use (methylene chloride) is also used in paint strippers! And not just Maxwell house uses it, but also Starbucks and Dunkin, among many others

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Switchbladekitten@reddit

![gif](giphy|tRNnK6oDYEKzK) That’s insane

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visssara@reddit

You can also drink chicory. It's really not the same but delicious in its own right.

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WHRocks@reddit

I started chicory this year. It has helped me go from my 3-4 cups a day (6+ at one point) to half a cup a day average. Some days I don't have any coffee or caffeine now. Added bonus, I can drink chicory black so fewer cals too.

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Switchbladekitten@reddit

I have tried. I do not like. 😭

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New_Stats@reddit

Try numi pu'her tea. Chocolate or emperor are both great. Chocolate is more earthy, emperor has a much wider taste profile, ranging from earthy to floral and sweet. It's expensive but it's so worth it, imo. Lots of places sell it for $12 a box but look for the ones that sell it for $6 a box. It's the same thing, some sellers just gouge you

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Switchbladekitten@reddit

I’m actually a tea girly and I do love any pu’er I’ve had. There’s a tea blend from mountain rose herbs called forest dragon and it’s *so* good.

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SurfNTurf1983@reddit

Yeah can't drink it all anymore. Gives me crazy reflux and makes my anxiety go through the roof.

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kabbage_with_hair@reddit

Same here. It makes me spew acid like the dilophosauras from Jurassic Park. I miss it. It was something I really looked forward to when I woke up.

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SurfNTurf1983@reddit

Yeah me to. I really like coffee and miss the caffeine boost. Especially school mornings with the kids. I really need it then.

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Not_a_werecat@reddit

I've had to since my antidepressants make me horribly caffeine sensitive. I mostly drink Dandelion "coffee" now. Honestly, there are a lot of health benefits to drinking coffee. Unless you have HBP, I don't think it would bee much benefit to quit.

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elenchusis@reddit (OP)

Huh, maybe this is my issue? I started taking antidepressants about 6 months ago

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Not_a_werecat@reddit

Wellbutrin is touted as the only one that is supposed to not have libido issues. Standard SSRIs and MAOIs are known to be REALLY bad for libido!

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Philly_3D@reddit

Same! I switched to a specific anti-anxiety med a few years ago and since then, I can't handle any stimulants.

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AnonymousIdentityMan@reddit

Try Teecchino.

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Not_a_werecat@reddit

That's one of them that I like. My first choice is Dandy Blend.

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AnonymousIdentityMan@reddit

100% caffeine free?

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spuckett0039@reddit

love dandy blend!

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Not_a_werecat@reddit

That my favorite too!

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kheret@reddit

Yeah most of the studies I’ve seen show benefits and no real negatives to moderate caffeine consumption, as long as you’re not drinking it at a time of day where it disrupts your sleep. I’m one of those people who can have a cup of coffee and then go to bed, but I still try to stop by 3.

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YoohooCthulhu@reddit

After 3+ cups a day for probably 20 years I stopped because I suspected my end of day headaches were caffeine withdrawal (they were). Result is my blood pressure is also like 10 mmHg lower. I used one of those caffeine pill weaning kits, and that helped me get through the side effects pretty seamlessly.

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Coriandercilantroyo@reddit

How long was the weaning process?

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YoohooCthulhu@reddit

About a month

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elenchusis@reddit (OP)

Idk if this sub allows it, but can you tell us what brand you used? I'm curious to try

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YoohooCthulhu@reddit

It’s gone now but this package is similar https://a.co/d/09JYxBSr You need to estimate how much caffeine you’re consuming right now to know what package to buy (eg 200/300/350/450 etc).

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ieatburritosyeah@reddit

Yup! I have been drinking coffee since 14 and am now 42. 3 years off caffeine 100%

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elenchusis@reddit (OP)

Did you notice any health benefits after quitting? Like more energy or better sleep, etc? And did those benefits last, or were they temporary?

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ieatburritosyeah@reddit

In general less anxiety and better sleep. Yeah its kind of shitty for a few months and I still think about coffee especially when camping and whatnot but all in all its been all for the best for me.

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andy_nony_mouse@reddit

Same with me. Heart Failure and caffeine don’t play well together.

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dallyan@reddit

What’s the connection?

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Preparation-Logical@reddit

Damn, I always thought coffee and cigarettes were the two vices they leave allowed. Was it a Mormon grippy sock resort?

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ieatburritosyeah@reddit

Nah it was just an intense program. They allowed smoking but only three times a day and there was no caffeine because it raises cortisol and makes people agitated.

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sweet_pickles12@reddit

I’m pretty sure not having caffeine raises my cortisol and leaves me agitated

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agentmkultra666@reddit

same here

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YoohooCthulhu@reddit

People I know have used “grippy sock jail”—I like your term better.

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prstele01@reddit

I literally just heard the term “grip dock vacation” yesterday and had to ask.

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ieatburritosyeah@reddit

Well ibuse grippy sock resort because I went voluntarily to a nice facility. Grippy sock jail is when it goes the other way and you end up at state lol

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spuckett0039@reddit

the grippy sock resort bahahahahaha

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Reen842@reddit

Someone needs to do some research on the health benefits of coffee.

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Unhappy_Performer538@reddit

Someone as in OP? Bc scientists already have https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5696634/#:~:text=Results%20The%20umbrella%20review%20identified,%2C%20metabolic%2C%20and%20liver%20conditions. Results The umbrella review identified 201 meta-analyses of observational research with 67 unique health outcomes and 17 meta-analyses of interventional research with nine unique outcomes. Coffee consumption was more often associated with benefit than harm for a range of health outcomes across exposures including high versus low, any versus none, and one extra cup a day. There was evidence of a non-linear association between consumption and some outcomes, with summary estimates indicating largest relative risk reduction at intakes of three to four cups a day versus none, including all cause mortality (relative risk 0.83, 95% confidence interval 0.83 to 0.88), cardiovascular mortality (0.81, 0.72 to 0.90), and cardiovascular disease (0.85, 0.80 to 0.90). High versus low consumption was associated with an 18% lower risk of incident cancer (0.82, 0.74 to 0.89). Consumption was also associated with a lower risk of several specific cancers and neurological, metabolic, and liver conditions.

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elenchusis@reddit (OP)

> Robust randomised controlled trials are needed to understand whether the observed associations are causal. Correlation is not necessarily causation

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Reen842@reddit

Yes as in the OP

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just-the-teep@reddit

Yes if only there were people who did that as a profession!

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Reen842@reddit

Right?

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DrivenTooFar@reddit

Nope. If anything I drink more.

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ZaphodBeeblebrahx@reddit

Same. I thought I was getting jittery from too much caffeine when i was drinking just one 10oz cup in the morning and in the last year or so I decided to try exploring 3-4 cups daily and see how the extra caffeine affected my focus and I have really found it has worked well for me.

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elenchusis@reddit (OP)

I've been drinking 4 cups daily for over 20 years, so I'm wondering if it takes time to cause damage

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Preparation-Logical@reddit

Did that increase mess with you gut at all?

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ZaphodBeeblebrahx@reddit

No but I also drink just plain black coffee so I didn’t also increase my dairy or sugar intake. The range of flavors to be enjoyed with different beans and roasts is wild.

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ThaVolt@reddit

Ngl, there are SO many shits messing with your gut that is worse than coffee. Scanning my food for additives now, and holy shit, the amount of texturing/anticaking agents is craaazy. My gut feels so much better now.

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tultommy@reddit

It's not so much the coffee as what you put in it and the caffeine itself. I was forced to give up all caffeine a couple of years ago and I truly don't miss it at all, and I do feel better without it.

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elenchusis@reddit (OP)

Yeah good point. I meant specifically to ask about overcoming my caffeine addiction!

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locusofself@reddit

I had to switch to decaf about two years ago because caffeine was consistently triggering excruciating migraines that would render me completely useless. It reduced the frequency and severity of my headaches substantially, increased my quality of sleep and generally made the second half of my day feel much better instead of being zapped. Yes I miss The stimulation and little motivation. It gave me in the morning, but you get over it pretty fast.

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YEMBOTT@reddit

![gif](giphy|LOnp2BO5LFsKcTFcxn|downsized)

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CelticSith@reddit

At this stage in my life, I’m more coffee than man, there’s no going back.

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Unusual_Piano7118@reddit

I am 43 and only just started drinking coffee on the regular about 18 months ago. Until then I never drank coffee. So it’s OK if you wanna quit, I have already replaced you.

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sleepy_unicorn40@reddit

I quit drinking coffee a year ago. I will have one on occasion but never more than one a month. I was consuming too much sugar drinking coffee. Within a couple of months of quitting, I lost 5lbs!

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Lilithbeast@reddit

I went low carb and weaned myself off sweeteners by adding a little coconut oil to my coffee. Now I drink with a little heavy cream and no sweetener, don't miss the sugar in it at all. Dairy tastes pretty sweet by itself nowadays. Congrats on losing weight!

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sleepy_unicorn40@reddit

Thank you! I am lactose intolerant so I try to stay away from dairy. But I'm now an energy drinker, gamer supps to be specific. So delicious and way cheaper, imo.

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YoghurtPrimary230@reddit

I could’ve wrote your same post word for word. Cheers!

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Atillion@reddit

I'm the same way. I've never felt the effects of caffeine on my body whatsoever, always thought it was some kind of joke (you can't have that soda before bed, caffeine!), so coffee never appealed to me my whole life. I've recently started drinking it just to have some variety.

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densetsu23@reddit

I don't really feel it, but when I'm exhausted, a cup can keep me going for another hour. When I was younger, caffeine has kept me going through LAN parties; and more dangerously, long drives. 3am, slam a Monster or an XL gas station coffee, and keep going. Repeat as needed. Though these days, these scenarios don't really happen any more. Maybe an energy drink at midnight during a long movie, that's about it. I wouldn't risk the driving thing; a hotel is way safer.

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DerAlliMonster@reddit

Have you ever been evaluated for ADHD? I was like you and it turns out the mild stimulant of caffeine actually made me sleepy because my brain is hyperactive.

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202reno@reddit

This is real disappointing. I can drink 2 cups and go back to bed with no issues. Closer together they are the sleeper I get. One and then I wait an hour or 2 before the 2nd and last.

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DerAlliMonster@reddit

My grandmother used to have a couple cups before bed, and we used to just tease her about her coffee habit. I am pretty sure she had ADHD, though.

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Atillion@reddit

My therapist urged me to go see someone about it. He says I could be a poster child and warned that undiagnosed ADHD in 45 year old men carries a 300% suicide rate. It opened my eyes quite a bit to challenged I've struggled with my whole life. And yes! I can sleep so good after coffee lol

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ouijahead@reddit

It’s a toss up for me. I’ll either have trouble sleeping or pass out. Maybe that’s a bipolar thing.

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KudosOfTheFroond@reddit

That happens to me too!! I don’t feel any sort of energy jolt from caffeine unless I’m close to bedtime, and even then it only manifests as me not being able to fall asleep, no extra energy at all. And when I drink coffee in the morning, it just does nothing, except makes me a little drowsy

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KASega@reddit

There can be a genetic component to this! Along time ago I did a 23 & me on my kid and myself (I’m adopted so this was interesting) and he has the marker for “not super sensitive to caffeine” and I can confirm that he doesn’t get hyper if he drinks caffeine - he’s 14.

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prstele01@reddit

I’m 43, same deal, and wondering if I should start at some point just to be normal…

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ouijahead@reddit

The way I see it, in this economy it would just be an added expense

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firesmarter@reddit

I’m 43 and would be delighted to make you a cup

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onesleekrican@reddit

44 and same. I’m also incredibly ADHD which is why caffeine does nothing for me. It’s the sugar that gets me.

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tealraven915@reddit

I just started trying caffeine again within the last 4 or 5 months after doing nothing beyond chocolate for almost 20 years and it makes me feel normal but then, my body must be slow in my old age, I get heart palpitations and tremors a whole DAY after I drank something caffeinated

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manborg@reddit

I read "just to have anxiety."

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Atillion@reddit

Hahaha I got plenty of that 😂

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hamburgler26@reddit

I started to drink coffee after my wife showed me some studies that because of the antioxidants it reduces the risk of colon cancer and some other stuff.

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larryb78@reddit

![gif](giphy|Ae7SI3LoPYj8Q)

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FalseVeterinarian881@reddit

Same. I (44m) never went daily with coffee until within the last 3-5 years ago.

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LiiilKat@reddit

44 here, and I bought my first coffee maker just after being served divorce papers. The amount of sugar and creamer to make it palatable is such that I want to cut back or quit, and go back to drinking tea.

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OriginalJayVee@reddit

Well, that’s wholesome. Picking up OP’s slack!

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Miss_Anthropologie@reddit

![gif](giphy|3nbxypT20Ulmo)

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Iheartbaconz@reddit

I only started drinking it like ten years ago. I have adhd so all it does is take away the grogginess. I can’t really drink energy drinks anymore. It’s a split between most give me horrid indigestion now or I think I’m 25 and drink two in a short time and end up with the jitters. Coffee doesn’t do that to me.

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UnfairSpecialist3079@reddit

Same here. So the balance is somewhat upset. I didn’t drink coffee until about age 36. Now daily

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Unusual_Piano7118@reddit

What was your go to before then I was very much a Mountain Dew drinker.

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UnfairSpecialist3079@reddit

Diet Coke! Now no soda so that’s the balance

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Unusual_Piano7118@reddit

see and I had all those years of drinking the regular stuff, that most of the diet sodas don’t really vibe with me. Too often I find myself mixing a Gatorade zero with like a clearly Canadian or something just for a few calories of yumminess.

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xakypoo@reddit

It's so good right?!

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Unusual_Piano7118@reddit

I mostly just use it as a means to have a 750mg hit of caffeine every gym session

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xakypoo@reddit

That's a lot bru

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Unusual_Piano7118@reddit

I know it’s the one single coffee I have a day and it is full of freaking caffeine so I can summon the power, energy and ability to lift some weights heavy for an hour. Generally, the rest of the day I am caffeine free after this.

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lousypompano@reddit

I also just started about 18 months ago. Still forget to drink it most days. Up to about half my days. But never more than a cup. It's hard to get addicted to

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Prossdog@reddit

Same. I started a little earlier than you, but still I was mid-30’s before I ever touched a drop.

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NotSoSpecialAsp@reddit

I've switched to decaf most days. So when I actually need the boost I can get it.

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studiotec@reddit

I only drink on the weekends. That way I don't build a tolerance and get a nice boost on the weekend.

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rapt_elan@reddit

Yes, it will take a few months to get used to it, but you'll feel better for it!

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ran001@reddit

Coffee is such a little joy for me I can’t imagine giving it up completely.

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ElayneGriffithAuthor@reddit

Right. I don’t drink coffee to wake up, I wake up to drink coffee 😆

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Aggressive_Economy_8@reddit

How have I lived this long and never heard this expression? It's so good.

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MTCannon08@reddit

Winner! So much truth!

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Alarming_Cat_2946@reddit

Life is really not worth living without my morning coffee. I could skip it. But why?

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Scrug@reddit

It's funny how addiction rewires your brain like that.

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suddle@reddit

I only drink one cup a day, and I drink it black, but I love my cup of hazelnut flavoured coffee in the morning (my holdover from the 90s). I don’t drink soda or anything else with caffeine, but that nice warm beverage in the morning really wakes me up.

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relaxguy2@reddit

That sounds like addiction lol

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StopClockerman@reddit

You could have skipped making this comment, so why didn’t you?

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dallyan@reddit

I just came to say that. I barely ever drink alcohol, I don’t smoke pot, don’t do drugs, don’t have a partner, don’t have a lot of disposable income, am careful with what I eat. Like let me have a little joy in my life. 🥲🥲

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Lensgoggler@reddit

Until I had kids, I proclamed I drink coffee "only for the taste". But the sleep deprivation made me realise nope, *not only for taste*. And I drink in moderation, I have never smoked nor tried any drugs so this is fine. :D No plans to quit. But I do like tea aswell. So many wonderful options.

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eLishus@reddit

Besides some MJ edibles on occasion, coffee/caffeine is my only real “vice”. Gave up booze about 6 years ago and anything harder than booze or MJ 10+ years ago. It’s also become a little hobby of mine since I got my own home espresso maker.

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aaronin@reddit

Some mornings, a good cup of coffee is the thing that keeps me going. Life can be hard sometimes, but good coffee is a source of comfort.

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Clean-Ocelot-989@reddit

Only some mornings?!

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Eclectic_Paradox@reddit

I had to stop altogether. The most I can tolerate is half-caff occasionally. I don't handle caffeine well anymore. It makes anxiety worse and causes more digestive issues. I used to love strong coffee too. This started when I started having perimenopause symptoms.

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DalekRy@reddit

I quit caffeine last summer for 4 months. Wean off if you do, rather than cold turkey. I don't know if that applies if you're only doing a cup of joe each day. I did it cold turkey, and I had a habit of 500-1000 mg per day (multiple cups of coffee and energy drinks). After a day my body felt off. Restless. I quit on a Friday. Sunday I was at a cookout and my muscles felt a bit wrong like maybe I had worked out harder than I realized. Monday I had body aches like the flu. I took a nap (my go-to when ill, otherwise almost never). I did not realize this was from withdrawal. Tuesday was about the same. Wednesday I was just a little sore. By the weekend I had physically gotten past it. It took a month before I felt comfortable in my new caffeine-free life. Coke has diet, caffeine-free products and I often crave cola with dinner, so that helped a tad. THC (legal vapes) also helped in the evening. I was also grieving and I have depression, so whenever my caffeine levels would begin to wear off it felt like my heart was breaking again. Once I recognized the distinction mid-occurrence I sort of mentally leapt that hurdle too. I also missed caffeine influences on my workouts. Slower recovery between sets, fatigue is louder. Slower overall heart rate in general. The strange thing is that I quit smoking cold turkey 4 years back. I still have little muscle memory misfires. Occasionally reaching for a smoke in an ashtray that has never been there, but it was never as bad as body aches from caffeine.

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Iwillhavetheeah@reddit

I quit and then came back but less frequently and my sleep improved dramatically

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toejampotpourri@reddit

I quit for a while and became lethargic as hell. I've cut back significantly, even energy drinks haven't had the same benefit as coffee. Maybe placebo, but if it works, it works.

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SouthernYankee80@reddit

I switched to decaf at around 42 or 43. My anxiety is much reduced. I think my magnesium levels are higher too.

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SweetCosmicPope@reddit

So, I was told I needed to quit caffeine because of the increase in blood pressure and because I have a brain aneurysm in a particularly dangerous area. So I quit cold turkey about 8 years ago now (holy cow, time flies!). However, I still drink decaf coffee. But I don't drink any caffeinated sodas or tea or anything like that. With exception of a couple of treats like having a big red when I last went to Texas or a couple times I'm pretty sure the coffee shop gave me the wrong coffee, I haven't had a drop since then. I will say, it's helped with my sleep patterns quite a bit, though I'm still bad about laying around in bed playing games or watching tv late at night. I actually had weird neurological issues for several months after I quit caffeine that convinced me I'm not interested in going back.

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worksnake@reddit

Would you feel comfortable discussing the weird neurological issues that came with quitting? I would really, really be interested to know as I suspect similarly. I’ve never heard anyone else say anything like that.

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SweetCosmicPope@reddit

The big one was brain shocks. I’d just be going about my day and feel like someone just zapped my brain with a 9 volt battery and I could feel a zapping sound in my ears. I’d get numbness and tingling in the top of my skull. And I’d get shivers from time to time. I’d say it took maybe 4-6 months for these symptoms to go away.

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ThePizzaNoid@reddit

That's...terrifying. Holy shit.

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Neither-Mycologist77@reddit

It happens when you quit taking an SSRI, too. Good times.

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witty_user_ID@reddit

.....and perimenopause

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Neither-Mycologist77@reddit

I'm perimenopausal and have had low-grade depression for 30 years. Coffee and Celsius are subbing in for my will to live, LOL. (I'm perfectly fine; don't send me a Redddit Cares or whatever, y'all.)

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witty_user_ID@reddit

Ha ha ha are you me? Except perimenopause has now made coffee occasionally give me crazy anxiety but not predictably. I love coffee but now it's a dice roll!

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Neither-Mycologist77@reddit

It used to give me anxiety and really trash my sleep if I didn't monitor my intake carefully. Now it just makes me occasionally feel like maybe doing the easiest thing on my to-do list.

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sweet_pickles12@reddit

Celcius and whatever the Starbucks seasonal chai latte happens to be this quarter

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TurtleToast2@reddit

On of us!

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worksnake@reddit

Whoa. That's wild. I've gotten brain zaps too--really similar ones!--but it was from cessation of a psychiatric medication I was taking. It was horrid. I'm happy that that is all behind you. I was hoping(?) you'd saying something about brain fog/slow mental uptake/difficulty concentrating, that sort of thing. And I don't mean immediately, I mean like 2 weeks and more out from quitting.

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L_wanderlust@reddit

Brain zaps from some of those meds are notoriously brutal. Sucks you dealt with it. I quit caffeine and didn’t get any of that. Just more tired and maybe midly cranky for a week or so. Kind of like when I quit sugar

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JudgeJuryEx78@reddit

I had this too about 15 years ago coming off an SSRI. It was awful, completely disrupted my life, and no doctors would take it seriously. I just had to wait for it to end.

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SweetCosmicPope@reddit

It's possible I had those symptoms too, but I honestly don't remember.

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grimeyduck@reddit

It's going to be really individual. How do you respond to coffee now? Remember it's not just caffeine in coffee but also mild MAOIs. I personally get very little out of coffee, I drink it because I enjoy the taste and the ritual. I also suffer no real withdrawal symptoms without it. I don't get headaches without it. If I go on a trip or disrupt my routine in some other way, then it is not uncommon for me to forget about having coffee and not realize until my routine resumes. I suffer no ill effects in the meantime.

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cosnierozumiem@reddit

I cut it down to one latte i make at home. Better than that plus the 6 cups of drip id have after for most of my life.

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Critcho@reddit

I’ve gone caffeine free a number of times, often just for the sake of shaking my routine up a bit. It’s good for sleep and digestion, and there’s a certain ‘zen’ quality to waking up feeling pretty normal, and staying at more or less the same level throughout the day. And of course you don’t have to worry about headache and bad moods if you miss a day or two. You should feel basically normal after two or three weeks. I’ve got to say though, unless you’re experiencing real problems as a direct result of drinking it, I’m not sure the trade off is worth it. When I’m back on the muck, I like having something to motivate me out of bed, I like the routine and the taste, getting a buzz on and knuckling down to focus on something. I think on average I’m in a better mood, more confident and motivated when I’m drinking it than not. I think my nervous system may have permanently rearranged itself based on the stuff.

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93_Topps_Football@reddit

No. I have given up alcohol and reduced my caffeine intake however I enjoy it too much and it helps me mentally

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Sorry_Im_Trying@reddit

I hate to quit drinking coffee and all caffeine about five years ago. I was heartbroken, I LOVE coffee, I love the smell of it, I love the taste of it, I love how it makes me feel. But it was hurting me. And so, like smoking, I quit it. At first it was just some digestion issues. Ya know...the whole coffee makes me poop. Only it would make me poop like five times, which isn't good (apparently). Then it started causing indigestion, which sometimes would be just a tightness in my upper stomach, to more painful and sometimes vomiting. And every time it would cause me to sweat, a lot. Like drips down my face kind of sweat, which isn't fun when you're at work and trying to look professional. I tried to replace with tea, but that also had side effects. So I just quit all caffeine. What I noticed, my skin was clearer, less dry. I did get over feeling tired all the time, now I don't need it to "get me through the day". I just have more energy. And of course, less stomach issues. I drank coffee every day for over 25 years. I smoked for over 25 years. I quit both, and to this day, it's only the coffee that I miss.

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Whatisgoingonnowyo@reddit

Whole bean Gorilla Decaf from the Organic Coffee Co. 1000% recommend.

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Sorry_Im_Trying@reddit

Ok.... Why?

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Whatisgoingonnowyo@reddit

If you want to drink coffee because you love the taste and smell…but have no caffeine… I thought that went without saying

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Sorry_Im_Trying@reddit

I thought so too, but then I saw the price tag. Was hoping for youth regeneration side effects or something. $77 bag of coffee beans? I can't afford that kind of love.

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Whatisgoingonnowyo@reddit

Amazon sells it for about $30 USD for two pounds

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Sorry_Im_Trying@reddit

Good to know, it did not come up in my search.

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Fappy_as_a_Clam@reddit

Also I bet a lot of those stomach issues weren't the caffeine, it's the tannins and the acidity. Which decaf still has.

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Sorry_Im_Trying@reddit

It could be. Seems all I'm allowed to drink these days is water and herbal tea. Which isn't tea, it's water downed fruit taste. But since I can't get caffeine without the acidity, I guess I'll just accept my fate.

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Beautiful-Fault-3695@reddit

I used to be an avid coffee drinker, but I quit about 3 years ago, because I didn't notice a difference after so long.

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fourofkeys@reddit

i was forced to quit two weeks ago and my sleep has improved significantly.

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After_Match_5165@reddit

I cut sugar out of my coffee about 10 years ago, cut out dairy about 5 years ago for my eczema, and now a coffee with non-dairy cream is one of the few pleasures my body can still enjoy. You'll have to pry my morning (drip) coffee from my stubby little fingers before I let go. And apparently black (with cream if you can't tolerate it) coffee is good for your liver health too.

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AxsDeny@reddit

Drank coffee and soda for nearly 20 years. A LOT of it. Gave up caffeine cold turkey about 10 years ago and never looked back.

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MadameTree@reddit

Out of all my vices, coffee isn’t the one I’m worried about. I’m not a tea drinker. I can’t fathom giving it up. Drink it black. I feel superior about it.

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123456789_ok@reddit

Why would you ever quit? I will never understand.

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547217@reddit

I cut back on caffeine, I do half decaf now.

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Poweregret@reddit

I had a GI bug over a year ago and when I felt better, I didn’t feel like drinking coffee, so I went with tea. I’ve been drinking tea since. I wasn’t a big coffee drinker, just a cup a day kinda person.

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SamePhilosophy7947@reddit

I deliberately STARTED to drink coffee in my 40s after being a lifelong non-drinker. There seems to be a growing body of scientific evidence that coffee can offer protective health benefits both physically and cognitively in moderate amounts, so I now have two cups in the morning (but only with a little milk. No sugar, no cream, and definitely no speciality coffees, that's where the damage is done).

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Critical_Start2237@reddit

Coffee is great for the brain, switch to decaf if the caffeine is your concern

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gowithflow192@reddit

I don’t understand the teetotal from coffee stance. One cup a day does no harm, arguably the opposite. If I didn’t work and have to be woken by an alarm I probably wouldn’t drink it. But while I do, I frankly need that wake up effect.

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DerBandi@reddit

I know it's an addiction, so I tried do decaffinate a few times. The longest was about 6 months. Didn't work for me in the long run, there was always a point were I was to tired to work, so I got back to it.

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rexallia@reddit

I’m down to a cup or less a day after drinking coffee regularly since college. So, a little over 20 years. It’s just naturally happened this way. When I worked an office job I was almost up to a pot a day. I imagine there will be a day when I don’t drink coffee anymore

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ThanksALotBud@reddit

Its like asking me to stop breathing. No, I will not do that.

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EventfulAnimal@reddit

Caffeine is actually beneficial for your health. Why quit. Same deal with nicotine, which is a really powerful smart drug. Sadly the delivery vehicle is what kills you.

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Clear_Tangerine5110@reddit

For me it’s a matter of migraines. I either have to have my daily 2 cups, I either have to pop a couple of Exedrin or I end up with a full-dome migraine that would level an elephant. If you’re going to quit drinking coffee, have something on standby to tackle the headaches. Only takes about me a week to fully get over it. Oh and be sure to replace it with higher water intake.

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EventfulAnimal@reddit

Caffeine withdrawal headaches are incurable. No analgesic seems to have an effect for me, but you're right that you get over it after a week or so. I reckon I'd ask to be put in an induced coma for a week if I ever quit coffee.

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EventfulAnimal@reddit

C'mon, why quit coffee? It's such a harmless joy. I quit booze two years ago, but you'll take my cup of coffee from my cold dead hand.

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ken830@reddit

Have never tried coffee.

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Radiant-Mycologist72@reddit

Was a regular coffee drinker. 2-3 cups a day, and I loved preparing and drinking it. I now have some health condition. I'm still not sure what it is, but if I drink coffee, within the next 2 days, I'll experience all over body pain and fatigue. It's hard to give it up for no reason, but its easy if it means you can barely get out of bed when you do drink it.

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tomahawk66mtb@reddit

I quit cigarettes, drugs and alcohol. No fucking way I'm quitting coffee.

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shogatsu1999@reddit

Yes, I became quite dependent on coffee to wake up in the mornings. It essentially replaced my breakfast, which is not ideal. Quit and took about 6 weeks to wake up not feeling like death, had headaches the first few days. Only when you take it away you realise how much you relied on it. My heart rate and blood pressure has seen a bit of a decrease, my sleep is much better and I get less sleepy at 3pm. However I miss that burst of energy caffeine would give to push through a project I'd been putting off.

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Breklin76@reddit

Why would you do that?

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LatinBotPointTwo@reddit

I've been drinking coffee since 1999. My blood pressure is chronically low, and even if coffee raises it, it's not enough for me to feel anything.

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plantverdant@reddit

I had to quit because suddenly I can't sleep on days when I have had coffee.

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clammycreature@reddit

I quit after I started getting morning panic attacks. Turns out that was my alcoholism though. They call that hangxiety. Still, I found I didn’t care much for it after that. Drinking a cup makes me jittery and unproductive. I take caffeine/l-theanine now and it’s totally changed my life. Before I quit I was drinking about a pint of cold brew concentrate a day. P sure that plus the booze fried my adrenal system.

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Gewitwel@reddit

Drinking Coffee since 16 now 44, I stopped my caffeine intake after lunch, already a great improvement for sleeping. My morning coffee will stay tho.

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empty7878@reddit

I used to drink a lot of coffee everyday. I was having terrible anxiety and heart palpitations. I weaned off over the course of about 2 weeks. I could not believe how much better I felt immediately. I had no caffeine for a year and a half. For the last couple years I will have about half a cup in the morning and thats it and I feel so much better. Actually I would like to just cut that half cup out eventually as well.

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fuhfuhfuhfree@reddit

I haven't quit but I drink a lot less. Turns out I really enjoy tea as well haha

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Mr-Blackheart@reddit

I switched to tea and monsters 🤷🏻‍♂️

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camoshka@reddit

The side effects of quitting for me were headaches. I went back to it.

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Agreeable_Mind3454@reddit

No.

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Aggravating_Finish_6@reddit

I quit caffeine after 20 years of daily drinking. It just started to make me feel jittery. I won’t say it had any tremendous health benefits but I think i do sleep better without it. I will sometimes drink decaf coffee or tea now if Im craving a hot beverage and one added benefit is those count towards your daily hydration when they are caffeine free.

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ohfrackthis@reddit

I quit about 5 years ago and idk why but my brain decided we don't want this anymore lol. I'm 50 so this is something I did for a minimum of 30 years. I drink unsweetened tea now. I love green and black teas.

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dadjokes502@reddit

Forget coffee help me quit drinking pop It’s everywhere and so accessible.

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EmergencyM@reddit

Everyday drinker from my teens until 42. I got diagnosed with a heart condition that is exacerbated by caffeine so I cold turkey dropped coffee. It’s been fine and I occasionally have an iced decaf if I really want a fix. It was easier than I expected, but I also quit cigarettes two years before that so it seemed easy comparatively.

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ThatDog_ThisDog@reddit

I quit while trying to get pregnant. It was depressing anyway but getting to enjoy coffee added another layer. As soon as I was pregnant I went back to 1 cup a day and now I don’t torture myself like that. The only effect I recall is sadness.

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Capital_Push5557@reddit

Didn't really start drinking u til like 5 years ago. Now im addicted.

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EBN_Drummer@reddit

My wife quit because she had some health issues and was having difficulties sleeping. She wants to bring it back eventually but not if it means insomnia again.

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Old_Storage379@reddit

I stopped after my last bout with Covid. Then again I also developed heart issues during the same illness so it kind of helped me along the way.

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YEMolly@reddit

I’m not sure why I would quit drinking it until I had to for health reasons. But I think most people are fine drinking it. I love the taste of it as my morning ritual. It’s the only non-alcoholic drink I have other than water. When I don’t have it, I don’t notice. I don’t get headaches or feel groggy. I just miss the habit of it.

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DeliBananaPants@reddit

We switched to half-caff a few years ago. I also started drinking coffee at 15 and love it too much to fully quit, and the half caff has been good. No more jitters or shakes. The key thing for me was finding a good decaf.

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TheREALBaldRider@reddit

I quit for about a year. Aside from better sleep, no real benefits. My wife bought me a Moccamaster recently and my coffee use is back in full swing.

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sllh81@reddit

I have a Nespresso machine and I don’t know what my life would be like without it at this point

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normal_nature@reddit

It’s the best coffee maker in the world.

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StopClockerman@reddit

I was using my generic drip coffee maker and store bought pre-ground beans where I’d drink the entire 12 cup pot in a day. Now I use my pour over Chemex and hunt for really good locally roasted beans and drink just 2 cups a day. Basically graduated from quantity to quality, and I feel so much the better for it while still enjoying on of life’s small pleasures.

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ThaVolt@reddit

Hell yeah brother

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bocepheid@reddit

I'm with u/TheREALBaldRider in that I quit all caffeine for a year, in my case due to stomach issues that needed to heal, and it was never a problem. I did discover the joys of 'zen tea' (plain hot water) during that time. It satisfied the urge to be drinking something hot.

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Redditor-247@reddit

I didn't start drinking it until I was 44. You asked about health benefits of quitting, but it's actually the opposite. There have been a number of studies showing 1-2 cups a day is actually beneficial to health. It's the sugar and artificial sweeteners that people add to it that isn't healthy. If you were able to drink it black it's the best for you. If you need to add a splash of heavy cream, milk or half and half that's fine too.

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stormlova@reddit

I used to drink like 3 xl a day. One day they made my stomach feel like it was eating itself, and I stopped. I take a caffeine pill to not get the headaches though.

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Super_Direction498@reddit

I've given up hard rugs and alcohol and a slew of dangerous behaviors. You can pry my coffee from cold, dead, caffeinous hands

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AwokenByGunfire@reddit

Hard rugs are a real bitch, friend. Hope you found a nice soft shag to sink your feet into

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Super_Direction498@reddit

Lol thanks man, I'm working on it. My dogs are barkin

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Beetso@reddit

I don't think I'll ever be able to give up my berber.

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purple-wing-@reddit

You’d be sad

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L_wanderlust@reddit

I stopped drinking it when I was having chemo and then since I also stopped sodas and wasn’t having caffeine, after chemo when I felt better I went to decaf coffee. I love it because I like the warm tasty bev in the morning but I don’t “need” it like you do when addicted to caffeine so i often skip it if I am busy and can’t be bothered to make it or am rushing out the door, etc. and also if there is a time I need to be awake like a long driving day, the caffeine works amazingly well

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nocash@reddit

I recently quit caffeine for two years but didn’t feel any of the amazing differences people claim. After which I began to suspect that as someone with unmedicated ADHD (and stress and depression) the lack of caffeine was doing more harm than good, so I picked it back up.

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dankfor20@reddit

If coffee is feeling to much there always tea. I have one cup of coffee in the morning then tea from there. No way I’d want to give up either.

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Chemical-Flan-5700@reddit

308 days today!! Started at 11, I’ll be 43 in the fall.

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BugEquivalents@reddit

I’ve tried to quit coffee. It was easier to quit smoking.

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Feralest_Baby@reddit

I cut it out a couple of years ago as part of an elimination diet to figure out some gut problems I will not go into. A few months later I was cleared to start drinking it again and I realized that even just a little in the morning was seriously messing up my sleep at night. Now, I've always battled insomnia and I've always known I was sensitive to caffeine, but I was still very surprised how much trouble it caused me. I drink it on very rare occasions now, but got rid of the daily habit.

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oodopopopolopolis@reddit

Is decaf ok for you? Since I cut caffeinated coffee, I think I drink a bit more coffee now since it's all decaf.

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gonesquatchin85@reddit

Decaf has residual caffeine. Not alot, but according to chat, you would need 15-20 cups of decaf to equal the same caffeine for 1 cup. The most I've done is maybe 4 decaf cappuccinos in the morning which is a nothing burger. I usually just do 1 decaf drink every morning. Probably just because out of habit. I really do like the taste of coffee and its origins. I've been off the sauce almost going on 2 years. For me, I initially started because it was a means to an end. I was doing a lot of overnight shifts. During the time, red bulls and monsters was all the rage. I didn't want to do those and opted for a more natural route.

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Feralest_Baby@reddit

I'm sure it would be, but not worth the trouble and expense.

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dogtor_howl@reddit

I quit regular coffee and other caffeinated beverages in January 2021. I still drink decaf, but not every day. I quit caffeine after a particularly stressful couple of months with my dying grandmother during COVID lockdowns when I was drinking waaaaay too much caffeine. I quit when she was able to move to assisted living (which was a wonderful, wonderful blessing that made my and her remaining life so much better). I find it helps with my jaw clenching and teeth grinding at night (along with a bite guard and PT).

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dogtor_howl@reddit

I have gotten what I am 99.99% sure was a regular coffee by mistake from a coffee place a couple of times in those five years, and HOOOOO BOY! Once you’re off caffeine a while, it becomes much more obvious that, yeah, it’s a drug when you accidentally get some.

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SBSnipes@reddit

I've picked up daily consumption since becoming a parent but plan to go back to limited or occasional once I can consistently sleep at least 6+ hours regularly again

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Exciting-Argument-67@reddit

My grandmother did not like water. She ONLY hydrated with coffee, from waking up to bedtime. She lived to 96 and was very healthy and independent for almost all of those years.

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bujuzu@reddit

I was a jitter junkie as a youngin, coffee and sudafed every morning. In my 40s my professional drive has waned and I find that I need little if any caffeine to function.

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Forever_Kikyou@reddit

I quit coffee about 5 years ago, but not for the caffeine. The caffeine part I can handle, b/c I still drink soda & energy drinks & whatnot. The relentless destruction of my colon was the reason I quit. You'd think I brewed it with colonoscopy prep or something b/c I got really sick. The worst part was that it took me a while to realize the coffee was the issue.

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Legitimate-Special36@reddit

Since my early 20’s, I drank one pour-over every morning. In my late thirties, I got diagnosed with ADHD. I took Adderall for a while, hated how it made me feel, and stopped. After that, coffee lost its appeal. Caffeine just makes me anxious now. It’s the weirdest thing.

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sweatervest614@reddit

I was a big coffee drinker for 20 years and then all of a sudden my acid reflux said no more. It was awful for the first three days but now I don't really miss it.

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erinrachelcat@reddit

I have quit coffee to improve sleep several times over the years. I usually last a few months then slowly it tapers back in. I don’t have many vices and I love coffee. I drink a single cup of half caff from my French press at home lately.

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Unique_Ad_3312@reddit

I was having a lot of issues with acid reflux and quit caffeine a few years ago. My reflux is better overall now, so I’ll have an occasional cup of coffee after breakfast. No more black coffee on an empty stomach. Aside from the improvement of the acid reflux, I didn’t notice any other benefits when I stopped drinking coffee.

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Walksuphills@reddit

I have become very sensitive to caffeine in my old age, so I've had to quit it. I miss it sometimes, but I do sleep better.

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ConsequenceIll6927@reddit

I drank a ton in college - mostly unhealthy stuff from Starbucks. Then I quit for a long time. Then I started drinking it again but mostly for the taste of the sugary creamer I bought. Then I gave up sugar. Now I just put a little milk in it and I can actually taste the difference between the coffees I drink.

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ATheeStallion@reddit

I’m a healthy food person. Eat from scratch homemade food for 15 years, vegetarian for 9 years. I have been drinking coffee since 14 or 15 when my social life revolved around indy cafes in the 90s. I’m 45, drink coffee every morning (none throughout the day) and it is sooo fiiiiiine ☀️☕️. Will never give it up.

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shebreathes@reddit

42, quit about a month ago when I realized it was making my anxiety sky-rocket right around 10am.

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burnmenowz@reddit

Why would I do that?

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TheVonSolo@reddit

I haven’t had coffee in three days. I thought I hated my life *FOUR* days ago but turns out I was wrong. It’s way worse.

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LeftHandofNope@reddit

No

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101violations@reddit

Started drinking coffee in early childhood. Quit around age 45. I noticed over time an improvement in my level of focus and stamina during the mid to late day at work. Normally I would crash during those times and have to go for either another coffee or soda for the recharge. My gut health improved since the caffeine would send me to the bathroom with mild cramping and loose bowel movements. My GERD also improved. I don't miss coffee and every few months, I might get a taste for it and buy a small latte. I'm no longer accustomed to the mad chaotic energy surge it gives though lol. Caffeine free teas are my drinks of choice now.

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maybesomaybenaught@reddit

I cut out coffee for two years entirely after leaving a stressful job where I was drinking upwards of 2 pots a day Since then I’ve allowed coffee in the mornings but not more than one french press maximum and not after noon

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carbonstampede01@reddit

![gif](giphy|6Uqr0IDWkzhBu|downsized)

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Digital_Punk@reddit

I had to for medical reasons. I drink tea instead and only miss coffee occasionally these days.

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IloveMe80@reddit

I had to! And I still am not happy about it but since menopause anxiety is thru the roof and coffee doesn’t help with that at all.

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AllScatteredLeaves@reddit

I gave it up a few years ago. I used to drink several cups a day, but I don't miss it. I feel less anxious and my tummy feels better.

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Antique-Ad-4422@reddit

![gif](giphy|zs9A00dxUMg5Z8icqc)

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lunaflect@reddit

I work at Starbucks, so no. I’m heavily addicted to caffeine. That plus vaping has my blood pressure getting up there, and does not help with mood (withdrawals). Idk how to better myself anymore, I’m just a goblin now.

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Luzon79@reddit

I quit all caffeine about 6 months ago. Apart from perhaps some chocolate from time to time. So no coffee or energy drinks.

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RedSolez@reddit

I'm 43 and have never had a cup of coffee, and neither has my 45 year old husband. We both hate the taste of it and how people get so dependent on it to function. With that said, we both have a Coke Zero problem soooo can't say life without any caffeine is worth it LOL

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MetalEnthusiast83@reddit

Coffee isn’t bad for your health. I’d never quit coffee. I’ve quit everything else at this point lol

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nickwoes@reddit

Do you want to hate life even more?

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Yellow_Curry@reddit

I used to drink a LOT of coffee a day, but in the last 5-10 years limit myself to 2 per day. I would not give this up for anything.

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PetuniaPicklePepper@reddit

Why would you do that to yourself? (I'm just being facetious). I was too dumb to drink it daily until my thirties. I need it.

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anchises868@reddit

I quit a couple of years ago. I just lost the taste for it.

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Dailia-@reddit

Yes and it helped me immensely. Decreased anxiety, both physical and mental. 11/10 recommend. Decaf tastes just as good and you can make all of the same drinks with it.

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YeilKhaa@reddit

I’ve been drinking coffee since I was old enough to pour myself a cup from my grandma’s coffee urn, probably around 3-4 years old. I had to quit recently because of heart palpitations (idiopathic sinus tachycardia - racing heart for no known reason). They don’t know for certain caffeine was a trigger but my doctor recommended no caffeine to be safe. It’s terrible & I hate it 😂 but I’ll tough it out if it helps my ticker.

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AustinDood444@reddit

I had to quit coffee cold turkey when I was in my 40s. Caffeine started triggering migraines. I was a big time coffee drinker.

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paloma_delmar@reddit

I've tried quitting coffee multiple times, but I always come back.

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Leilani3317@reddit

Not to be dramatic but it’s one of the few joys I have left, so I would essentially rather perish.

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JohnMcD3482@reddit

Same thing I tell people walking into AA meetings. Nobody Likes A Quiter. My Dr is always up my butt about not drinking enough water. I tell her I drink lots of water all day long. I just boil it first, and strain it through coffee grounds. She says thats not how I'm suppose to get my water and I tell her that: "If you stop and think about what fish do in the water, you wouldnt drink it without it being boiled and filtered either.

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big_DINK_energy@reddit

I did. I was zero caffeine for about a year. Now I have a coffee at Sunday breakfast and maybe one more cup during the week and both are hours after I'vebeen awake. Honestly, I have way more energy in the mornings. I grab my water right away now and if I want a hot drink for my ride to work, it's a decaf tea.

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Scoginsbitch@reddit

My partner did, but not by choice. He gets really bad heartburn from it now. Instead he drinks Yerba Mate for the caffeine. So quit the bean, not the stimulant.

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espressocycle@reddit

All the evidence points to coffee being good for you.

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Thee-lorax-@reddit

I’m 45 and drink more coffee now than I ever have before.

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Healthy-Neat-2989@reddit

Coffee is beneficial for your liver. I can’t handle too much caffeine anymore. But I love the stuff and my liver can use all the help it can get, so I’ve reduced my caffeine strength overtime but not my coffee intake.

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Ablairy@reddit

I don't think taking away the joy you get from your coffee is good at all lol

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GaspSpit@reddit

Yes, I quit recently. I still drink green tea and Earl Grey if I need more caffeine in the morning. I feel way better l, not crashing as much as with coffee.

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duckparade4@reddit

I was a pretty heavy coffee drinker, maybe like 3 a day, but the last time I was laid off, I quit coffee and replaced it with ice water. I love it. I’m sleeping better. My skin looks great. My teeth look great. No more afternoon lulls. I’m really surprised I did it, for how much I loved my coffee, but I may never go back. It’s only been 2 and a half years now, so who knows.

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dubvmtneer@reddit

I like coffee but I only drink it as an "as needed" beverage. Basically if I am tired but have a lot of stuff to do I will reach for a cup.

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Fappy_as_a_Clam@reddit

Yes, I did. Thanks OG COVID! I got covid in 2020, completely lost my sense of taste, and when I came back coffee just tasted...bad. Bitter and metallic, no matter what. Honestly I couldnt be happier. Here's why: * My heartburn/acid reflux/gurd pretty much vanished. * I sleep *so much better,* like it's not even a conparison. No more tossing and turning for an hour+, I get tired and I'm out in a few minutes. * No more fogginess. Coffee has a shit load of caffeine nowadays, and often times it would make me foggy and unfocused because it was just too much. * No coffee breath or coffee teeth

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lechydda@reddit

No because coffee is delicious and not at all “bad” for you unless you have like 5 espressos a day and/or it affects your heartrate due to other pre-existing medical condition. Switch to decaf if you’re worried about caffeine or if you also drink lots of other caffeinated beverages throughout the day.

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cyberdude419@reddit

When I’m working 40hrs a week, I need coffee. Not working right now, I have no desire for coffee, coincidence?

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jfk_two@reddit

im about to stop drinking it.

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ckglle3lle@reddit

Not overall, no, but I used to have 3x coffee drinks most days and now I have more like 2-3x a *week* and often go weeks without. Still basically love the stuff but have shifted my relationship with it to be more of a treat than a daily necessity

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PaperboysDitty98@reddit

I had to switch to decaf because it really gives me restless legs at night now. Prior to that my motto had been "Death before Decaf."

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Intelligent-Ad-7816@reddit

I got Covid bad 5 years ago lost taste smell the lot almost killed me got through it after 3 weeks of hell came out ok apart from not being able to drink coffee anymore it just doesn't taste good to me now.

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hitliquor999@reddit

I was drinking tons of coffee. Brewed a big pot at work every day and just constantly drank it like an IV drip. I found myself crashing and needing more to get through the day, so I switched to tea which gave me the alertness without the crash. It was much more steady throughout the day. After about two years of tea I just stopped. I didn’t feel like I needed the pickup. That was about two years ago. I will still have a coffee or tea 2-3 times a year but it is because I want to enjoy a cup, not because I can’t get by without one.

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pit_of_despair666@reddit

I switched to decaf since my anxiety disorder got worse. Stimulants and anxiety don't play well together. I miss being able to drink regular coffee and I hate having to make sure that caffeine isn't in everything I drink.

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sum-9@reddit

Coffee is very good for you, even decaf. There are many studies on the health benefits.

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Phyzzx@reddit

Came close, it started to taste like brown water so I switched it up, and then again. I'm on french pressed coffee currently after drinking like 4 shots of espresso everyday for 5 years. So probably better for me.

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_MistyDawn@reddit

Quit? Why the fuck would I want to do that?

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Geechie-Don@reddit

Never quitting. My workout drink is hot coffee. Straight black or nothing. No fu-fu coffee. That ish will make you crash and get you fat and rot your teeth.

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ailish@reddit

I started drinking coffee at age 12. I don't plan to stop unless my doctors tell me I have to for health reasons.

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moeru_gumi@reddit

I dont think there is any benefit to quitting unless your heart is sensitive to caffeine. From what I’ve seen, coffee (black) has many actual health benefits.

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ElleEmenope@reddit

There have been some studies linking the antioxidants in coffee to a longer lifespan, and to compounds that function as an appetite suppressant, so that’s my excuse to keep chugging multiple cups a day. No plans on quitting unless there’s a pressing health concern on my end.

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thelizardlarry@reddit

My GERD decided I can’t do coffee or alcohol anymore. It is disappointing to say the least. Outside of not triggering stomach pain, I have not noticed any particular benefit to bot drinking coffee. I drink a lot of black tea.

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attigirb@reddit

I did for IBS reasons. I switched to tea in the mornings which doesn’t really bother my stomach. I missed the alertness, and especially the ‘treat yourself’ part while getting a fancy/delicious coffee drink. It took a while to get over the alertness hump and I’m still not over the ‘treat yourself’ part. Like, I am not paying $5 for a tea from a coffee shop when I could make a much better cup at home myself. There’s no substitute. But I eventually did quit coffee and my body feels a lot better after drinking a cup a day since high school. I also fall asleep a little easier now. I guess I quit it about 18 months ago? It was a good switch for me, overall.

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Howy_the_Howizer@reddit

They're connecting the dots in medical science - but we know stress is a killer. But how much a killer stress is becoming clearer - it's super bad for you and your brain health. Caffeine reduces stress and other parts of coffee aid in being a stimulant, but also thinning the blood a bit, aiding regularity, and some other brain benefits. Make sure you don't drop caffeine, it has low downside and mega upside to your gut health and mental health. If you're done with coffee maybe a tea habit, or other alternatives. - Janeway out.

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whirlingbervish@reddit

I quit caffeine about a year ago, but I do still drink decaf coffee. I will alternate that with Dandy Blend though. It was a great move for me - I sleep much better and wake up more rested.

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BlindMouse2of3@reddit

I think it's the additives that get you. Hello I'm 43 and I drink to much coffee. I'm recovering from my habit it's taken over 20 years to get here from the worst of my addiction. At the height of my intake I would start my work day with a 6 shot raspberry latte at 4am. By 7am I moved onto a 24 oz rockstar. By 10 am I was on my second 6 shot raspberry latte. Sometimes (fairly often) I would have a 3rd after lunch. I did that 4 days a week for almost 2 years. I was an invincible mechanic that got stuff done. It took its toll. Now 1 have 16-24 oz of black drip coffee most days. I started drinking my coffee black at the beginning of the year and I feel much better for it. I think black coffee in moderation is ok. Starting the day off with a glass of water before the coffee makes me feel better throughout the day. Good luck

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Miss_Anthropologie@reddit

I have off and on but let’s face it. Coffee is really good. Right now I’m trying mushroom coffee at home. It’s barely serviceable but it’s doing the trick and I feel less bloated. I’ll still drink coffee on vacation and stuff.

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C250586@reddit

Two weeks ago, weirdly. 42. Switched to green tea.

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Mizeru85@reddit

Switched to tea in the morning a couple of years ago, in the attempt to cut calories (so much coffee cream) and when I do indulge, I notice the effect coffee has on me: nervous energy. Unpleasant unless I intend to get housework or yard work done - not good for stationary focus at work lol

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Nosebluhd@reddit

I quit drinking coffee several years ago to cut down on caffeine. Switched to green tea which has less. But honestly the switch came when I became obsessed with the flavor of green tea. The caffeine buzz is also milder because it contains l theanine, which is the thing in camomile that makes you chill. Not sure of any other health benefits but my heart rate is overall lower and I sleep better.

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TurtleToast2@reddit

I've quit a few times. Besides the brutal headache that lasted a few days, I never noticed any difference.

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pncoecomm@reddit

No...why would I go through such pain. I wake up to drink coffee

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melissastandard@reddit

I quit last year. Drank coffee almost every day for 20 years. I sleep much much better now. I don't need to pee throughout the day and night, as often. I don't have stomach aches. Giving up coffee was one of the best decisions I ever made, and i don't really miss it. I now drink hot tea or bone broth in the morning. The bone broth gives me instant wake up and energy, no crash mid day, no stomach aches, holds my appetite for a few hours. Good stuff!

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C-A-L-E-V-I-S@reddit

I had to bounce off it because it was effecting my stomach, and frankly my “number 2’s”. That becomes. More an issue as we get older unfortunately. Coffee dries you out internally so I def think there’s potential there to mess yourself up. To bounce off it, just find something else you like to sub in its place; there are plenty of clean options without being a diarrhetic.

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Consistent-Ease6070@reddit

I’ve mostly quit due to the indigestion it causes. When I dabble with it, I usually regret it. I’ve switched to tea or, if I’m really dragging, a product called EarlyBird that has caffeine, electrolytes, etc…

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Ok_Researcher_9796@reddit

I did. Switched to tea.

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Wicked_Morticia18@reddit

I still drink coffee but more as a mid-morning pick me up on hard days. I switched to mushroom coffee over a year ago. I drank an entire pot of coffee most days for 10years (military). The switch was hard but my body is so much better for it.

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LopensCouisin@reddit

Been drinking coffee forever… why stop now?

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dickonajunebug@reddit

Yeah, I quit coffee last year. It was tough for about a month but now it’s fine. From time to time I’ll have an energy drink then clean the whole house.

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Financial_Radish@reddit

Life sucks already I’ll keep drinking it even if it kills me

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Loocha@reddit

I had to quit. It started giving me anxiety. I was a pot a day drinker from like 16 to 40. I drink decaf now, it’s not the same. I miss it. Quitting was weeks of headaches. I don’t have morning anxiety now. No other benefits. Though, I can now get up and run out the door without breakfast if needed. I don’t have the wake up timer or needing coffee like I used to.

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pierogi_waystation@reddit

They’ve taken my carbs, my junk food, my late nights, my binge drinking, my side sleeping, and my triglycerides, but my beloved coffee is my line. My wailing cardiologist can pry my last quad espresso from the hand of my still-jittering corpse.

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SaveusJebus@reddit

I stopped drinking it mid last year, but I usually only want it when it's cold out, but didn't this winter for some reason. I think if you feel ok and all your labs and stuff look good, I don't see why you can't keep drinking it.

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Bitches_Be_Crayfish@reddit

I used to love coffee when I was working full time. Now I’m at home full time and 1 shot of espresso will keep me up all night. I do not drink any coffee for the past 8yrs and I don’t miss it. I love teas tho and the caffeine is 1/8th of a cup of coffee. Maybe transition to a different beverage?

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angryslothbear@reddit

I switched to tea, one, max 2 cups in morning. No caffeine after 3

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idle_shell@reddit

I took about a 5 yr break from caffeine. Felt great but i missed coffee so much i ended up back in the fold.

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DangerousGrass1635@reddit

I drink a lot of decaf now, but that is because I learned my black coffee habit I had going since the age of 3 was partially self-medicating for ADHD. Now I have actual meds and mostly drink decaf and am doing good.

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randomwellwisher@reddit

I have. Here are my steps: 1) Got Medicaid. Got access to healthcare. 2) Got diagnosed with and medicated for ADHD. 3) Got diagnosed with and medicated for severe depression. 4) Got diagnosed with and medicated for generalized anxiety. 5) Got diagnosed with anemia by a hematologist. I’m a huge believer that anemia is really just not taken seriously by almost all practitioners. It’s serious. 6) (And this is where the actual method starts) I measured how much coffee I was drinking per day for 2 weeks. I was really precise, and obviously recorded the numbers honestly. 7) Once I understood what the number was, I reduced my intake by 0.25 cup/ 50mL per day. It was certainly easier now that I was being treated for various health conditions, but if you’re not in a place to/don’t have time for all that: #0.25 cup/50mL less per day

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ElegantGoose@reddit

Coffee is full of antioxidants. Caffeine protects the liver and there's some evidence that it is protective against dementia, especially for women. https://preview.redd.it/leu7dnd6cgsg1.jpeg?width=1079&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6c61e7cc750b1a23272cb2623a84a7ff75588f71

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RedditGotSoulDoubt@reddit

No man. Let me have something.

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81toog@reddit

Yes, I was a daily drinker for like 20 years. I had to cut it out of my routine because it was giving me headaches and impacting my sleep quality. I feel now that I don’t drink it regularly my energy level is better throughout the day and more even.

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VincentMac1984@reddit

I drank coffee religiously for years. Late 30’s started getting really bad acid reflux from it. That cheap fruit punch and cheap pizza sauce give me issues too. On the other hand if I make my own pizza sauce, no issues? These days I’ll just do a strong black tea or a small energy drink in the morning (8 oz redbull or rip it)

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cnymassageguy@reddit

You can pry my coffee from my cold dead hands

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Primary-Strawberry-5@reddit

I’ve been drinking coffee since I was 6. I briefly decaffeinated myself for about 6 months in 2001 but it didn’t feel right. Nowadays I’m mostly drinking coffee just to prevent the withdrawal headaches

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Jets237@reddit

![gif](giphy|JRF85A7Bcl2YU)

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Junior-Salad-2372@reddit

I quite coffee for a few years. I did it to have a total reset (I had been vegetarian for 20 years, then went vegan, cut out sugar and all caffeine). It was hard to start with, but I did find benefits like finding out I had anxiety (which was a surprise since I was nearly 40), and caffeine was making it worse. So once everything was stripped back I was able to work on myself. I have since started drinking coffee again, but I drink less and I can monitor how my body and mind react.

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WhatIGot21@reddit

Yes I quit for over a year and I did not feel any better or worse.

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Maleficent_Finger642@reddit

Coffee in moderation has health benefits. There are plenty of studies sho[](https://alb.reddit.com/cr?za=O_flNoJcqLGyKSTF2VlZcY2SV0ycG3ospguteP3EEtTGZLKYSsLI-ma8d5WQyUbxF4Dnyoe8kkth2Ra5Zx-b6_Ho5I2z2sdALmtp8jpd3EKXlpUoN8KAfGj7cUch32V8PPVkSQ5JyPFmtdeRoPMRWPZyRJm3XwbjaSpTx2graLHiZZs1h-kzPEccE810Sbyp1UszCojI9x_FxQVSbLDQLXGq9ucvUAUvs_uK91ISPunNX-HHeG6RnGyyUQMJkW9ym3qH-19fcdzpaadhTi3dWH2zekMj8xouf3AEB9eoJfGhC4Ro7Oel1sF8dOm5Y7t-5UpXkRo2rv9C_gk_W91qHWWGQ3t5HcOTUkxKNwl6CNhHCNN6ZxPBB7BOgrxzcqdbCygaxe3kUAOBnKw96VMlzqCbWsWzzXJMNpvo9W8AHEorhJZaM7HGTdFn49vAh3q3tmgiCst1a7seQ7OrF62X8t6sJSbohe_sKSsKOeGVgySsYot7jnKDg-k7QD2p6CWQl5QrNs_hO0WQZNLR7KI2diCbX3wmSY6ijLY_2fTFXaVnTKSzEeH3Pr7lSL7Ec290zw_wgWmEVVhRgtgjmBoh-l2Y0S_xvHX4OEY65dtNtYItF1vtiDIagdq8aC9chd1Rq-BQco4egTIRWCg94EPNahEshnctMsySsY6KwufOe5QBiMB6LQIDucZJW9dIofNkHTkL_F5Y8IC141NiD6xc47-QeqhQ&zp=GVMonH2mUPL3_2tOJSbnPKsbeZgoBB09BMYz8CD5QsKegcT4d38zXDikgTcAFSNRnHmt9s69LrY7HZoFBIh25-OfTSxuXjBDaVaUNYtMEH6b_9SdrLWqh5tQF-9I1Cvc-XMt27chPpOdbQQ9Sel2EuN51EcP0ZjWINGpDHIN-Fx0kfUqcDBNMZMeNAouM_GTt_qTz7Ep7rpez7RvsPviZ1MSbAJEa5DnExrTl2-J4oVHPCytD4SbPQbDJ09duEnJO34xCtBBnmO1mcodsbrIdm3hcq2aiRvr8s0vSir0iOsrlqs6m5EpHoUm6BSk-pS9PnTh667aeNnrXKwNdbqyH0kT0NFSgRxvwEmNHlnrjEGh3ORrAcd8E6Uj8QmjUqszR2Pcd7NryiyeSgyetB_4NQjb0n1N8FAZYpEpHFwdEk8iBRJDft407MvcCU-gM93P4LnI3CUMfYUr7s_jPdsK2mGFgUqc18hOQ0ATC28&a=70482&b=70321&be=70267&c=69000&d=65775&e=65761&ea=65775&eb=65761&f=65596&r=6&g=1&i=1774993008010&t=1774993112732&o=1&q=1&h=188&w=620&sh=720&sw=1280)wing that. Moderation is key though. I had to quit about 5 years ago after being a lifetime coffee drinker because of GI problems, and I do not miss it. I admit it took a while to get here though.

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JustSomeGuy422@reddit

I had a debilitating, years-long muscle knot pain in my upper back behind my shoulder, and when I quit caffeine, it improved considerably. I had been drinking coffee daily for over 20 years. Now I enjoy the occasional decaf americano from my favorite local shop. That's it.

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boydbunny03@reddit

I switched to tea a couple of months ago. My stomach was so messed up (near constant cramping, bloating, gnawing pain in my upper abdomen) one day it occurred to me that maybe coffee was a factor. It was an almost immediate night and day difference when I made the switch and still, have not had any of those issues since.

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RiotPurrrl@reddit

Nah dude, I gave up booze. No one is talking my coffee too

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Bulky_Pop_8104@reddit

I was a daily coffee drinker for decades, despite getting zero boost from it - just enjoyed the flavour. Then one day a few years ago, I got what I assumed to have been a rancid bag of beans, and haven’t had any interest in drinking it since. It’s probably been ~5 years

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PikaGoesMeepMeep@reddit

I used to be a non-coffee drinker until my 30s. I might have a cup, especially a milky or sweetened cup, a few times a year. Then I went through a hard time and decided to use coffee to perk me up, which worked. Since then I've been a daily black coffee drinker. I tried to quit, but just never settle back into feeling normal, even after months. So I started again. I think something about my chemisty permanently changed and I can't go back to being a contented non-coffee drinker like before.

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Ancient_Substance152@reddit

Started drinking around 17, quit at 37 due to anxiety. I was drinking around 1.5L a day. Now I drink 1-2 cups of decaf a day. All is well for me!

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drinkslinger1974@reddit

I get a massive headache when I miss my morning coffee. It’s an addiction that I’m fine with.

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PraetorianXVIII@reddit

Is coffee bad for you, mentally?!

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ConcreteKeys@reddit

I think it is for some people, not everyone. It also may change over your lifetime as your body changes.

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lucasssquatch@reddit

Yes, in the sense that I'll have a cup or two a week as a treat or if I really need it rather than starting the day with a whole pot like I've been doing since middle school I just happened to wake up late for a doctor's appointment, didn't brew a pot, they took my blood pressure, and for the first time in my adult life, my blood pressure was "normal."

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UnitedLink4545@reddit

Never. Coffee is life.

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ramalledas@reddit

Some years ago i quit coffee for 1 year (2019 i think), i drank only tea or decaf. It can be done

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thedudeintx82@reddit

I couldn't do it. I gave up drinking every day, lowered my nicotine input, and have started exercising/eating healthy. But God help anybody who tells me I need to stop drinking coffee. I drink 6 americanos a day.

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Philly_3D@reddit

I stopped because it started making me jittery and uncomfortable when I was about 37 years old. I don't miss it.

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erino3120@reddit

You can take my coffee from my dead, cold, not sweaty alcoholic hands

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Special_Tangelo_1272@reddit

I got into a bad accident about a year ago. I knocked some teeth out and couldn’t drink hot beverages so I quit coffee. Up to that point I was 3 cups of black coffee a day. I’ve been able to kick it for the most part. A latte here and there

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Speakeazie@reddit

Decaf only and feel amazing without it.

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blueyedwineaux@reddit

Had to 6 years ago. It was trigger panic attacks.

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NickiTikkiTavi@reddit

I love coffee but it started affecting my heart rate substantially. Had to give it up.

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FestivusRestOfUs@reddit

Never! Started in my teens, using a ton of sugar. Eventually turned to black. A couple pots a day. But…. In my 40’s I’ve reduced my daily intake significantly.

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PacketLePew@reddit

Had to quit recently because it started gave me horrible heartburn and indigestion. About a year after cold turkey, I went back on it but now I only have 2 measurable cups a day (1 tall), and can only drink that powdered stuff my grandparents used to drink (now I know why they drank it all the time…).

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Rivas-al-Yehuda@reddit

I never drank coffee until I was in my 30's, but I made up for lost time by drinking too much, I think. I gave it up for good in my 40's though. I just don't respond well to caffeine.

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sundayfunday78@reddit

I need a cup to get going in the morning. If I don’t get it, I am like a sloth all day. I tried to quit, but I just don’t function well without that morning joe ☕️

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anitabelle@reddit

I’m 45 and started drinking coffee maybe 10 years ago. Started off with lattes and such but at one point I was drinking black coffee with no sugar. Lately, I don’t drink it much. I used to drink it every day and now I only get coffee if I want to be productive with on the weekend. It’s not that I don’t like it anymore or that I don’t need the energy, I just find myself never coming close to finishing a cup. So I don’t bother. It’s weird and I wish I knew why because I still really like it.

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RoundTheBend6@reddit

Yes. I was forced to and miss it. There's a certain comfort. I might start getting fancy dark chocolate to see if I can get the same. Decaf can fuck right off. Tastes terrible. I'd rather do pero.

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toomuchtv987@reddit

I drank coffee every day for about 20ish years and gave it up cold turkey last summer. I’m taking Zepbound, and ever since I started that, it didn’t taste good. I powered through bc WHY WOULD I STOP DRINKING IT??? But then it started giving me terrible indigestion so I had to stop. I replaced it with tea, so I still get a little caffeine. As for health benefits, obviously I don’t get raging heartburn and indigestion anymore. Also, I was a cream and sugar person, and I use neither in my tea, so I’m cutting that out of my diet, which I’m sure doesn’t hurt things. Other than that, I haven’t noticed anything in particular.

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antsam9@reddit

I worked at Starbucks for over 7 years, got coffee master certification (internal coffee nerd who trains other baristas without extra pay or benefits), trained a bunch of store managers and baristas, was sent around my region to train others. Coffee was a big deal for a long time for me, I also went to a bunch local indie coffee shops around LA and Santa Barbara, would be on the look out for new beans and fresh crops. After I quit Starbucks, I couldn't drink coffee anymore, I recently just started making cold brew on my own and maybe a hot coffee once a month or every other month. Just not really into it anymore. Couldn't tell you the health benefits, I switched to energy drinks and I poured the same adhd-tistic hyper focus into that bullshit and I have a collection of out of production cans that I really personally like. I was doing wine for a while but I got it in my head that being hyperfocused on alcohol was probably not a good idea. Anyways, the general rule is 400mg caffiene a day, and preferably not everyday, if you can abstain from caffiene 1-2 days a week, including sodas, you should be very low risk for the cardiac and wake-sleep disturbance assuming you're of normal health. If you need to occasionally bump it up to 800 mg, do what you gotta do, the military tells soliders that they can have 800mg to do their jobs. Coffee, energy drinks, etc have their greatest negative impacts if you go 400mg or over daily for years on end.

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Key-Tip9395@reddit

I think whatever benefit wouldn’t be worth giving up that simple pleasure which are very few.

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Legitimate_Ad_9240@reddit

I stopped drinking coffee and anything else with caffeine in the hopes of reducing cortisol stress and improving my sleep. I haven't noticed and impact on focus. I'm less anxious but can't say my sleep has improved. YMMV

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mamajulz83@reddit

Only when I was pregnant and for a few months after. It made me sick and couldnt stand the smell or taste at all. But I always returned to it.

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Big-Honeydew-961@reddit

I switched to hot tea. So kind of?

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frazzled-mama@reddit

Yep, I have. I've been drinking coffee since college, and now I'm 42 and given it up three or four different times, and hoping it sticks this time. After being diagnosed with anxiety and complex PTSD, I've found that I don't really need meds.....I just needed to give up coffee to keep my symptoms manageable. I just deal with decaf when I crave. Or black or green tea. 🤷🏼☕🍵🫖

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Tinselcat33@reddit

I gave up gluten and alcohol, coffee would be a tough one!

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Gullible_Rich_7156@reddit

I’ve been drinking black coffee with no sugar since I was 15. I probably drink the equivalent of 2-3 pots a day. If I’m not drinking coffee I drink unsweetened iced tea or water. The only things I drink that have actual calories are beer or bourbon. OP you don’t say how you take your coffee or if you’re suffering BP/heart rate issues. Personally my BP has always been a solid 120/80, no heart issues, etc…I can’t imagine starting a workout in the morning without black coffee first.

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SadApartment3023@reddit

Yes and it has been wonderful. I started drinking espresso in HS and was firmly "death before decaf" and now truly emjoy my morning decaf coffee (amd my day isnt ruined if I don't have time or forget to refill my supply). My sweat doesn't smell as bad either.

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flytingnotfighting@reddit

If I have to give up coffee after everything else, just stick a pitchfork in me I need one relatively solid vice

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don51181@reddit

I was a heave coffee drinker stopped due to heartburn. It was tough but heartburn was scary and painful. Switched to tea and honey. Coffee is not too bad in moderation. Plenty of studies that say it helps you. The problem is when you do multiple cups a day or later in the day.

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8last@reddit

I worked with a guy who almost died from a ruptured esophagus due to reflux. He drank a shitload of coffee every day. His wife found him basically dead on the bathroom floor. They saved his life at the hospital. Dr said no more coffee.

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don51181@reddit

Wow rough. Yeah the heartburn felt to much like a heart attack. I didn’t want to get used to that pain. I’m glad I cut it out.

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Cailloutchouc@reddit

I stopped coffee and replaced it with tea. British tea like PG Tips or Yorkshire, « builder’s tea » (5 minute infusion + squeeze the bag) with oat milk. Same caffeine content if not more but hits you slower and the effects are more drawn out. You’re welcome.

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lilith96@reddit

If you have ADHD be careful as it may be helping you. I was advised to stop drinking it and it was actually harmful for me because I had undiagnosed ADHD at the time and I need a stimulant to function well.

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SnooSongs450@reddit

I was a pot a day guy, sometimes more, for a long time. Recently started supplementing with mushroom coffee, which still has some caffeine but much less. A few months in now and I have my morning cup of mushroom coffee, topped off with a bit of regular coffee, and sometimes a second cup depending on how tired I am (have little kids, so sleep can be a scarce commodity). I've noticed I sleep better and don't get the afternoon crash. I also think the mushrooms legitimately help with focus. It's not a life changing difference, but I've been able to better tackle my daily task lists.

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BrutalBart@reddit

yep. got covid in ‘22 and it tastes like soap now

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AmyGranite@reddit

I started in college, quit a few times for pregnancy, then quit for good a few years ago. I was going through a lot and didn't want to be dependent on it to start my day. I'll have some occasionally and it's crazy how irritable I get!

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aksnowraven@reddit

I had to give it up in my 20s due to chronic high blood pressure. At the time, it was my primary sustaining fluid, so I thought it would be rough, but it actually wasn’t difficult to give up the caffeine. It made enough of a difference that I was able to avoid medication for a while, but inevitably had to start taking BP meds. I still drink decaf, because I will always love coffee, but it’s not 3 pots a day anymore…

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mistlet0ad@reddit

Not coffee, but Red Bull. Was my morning go-to for years. Realized it was fucking wrecking me. Quit weeks ago and already feel so much better. Caffeine and I are not friends.

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argyle9000@reddit

I didn't quit, but I did cut back a lot. I drank about 6 cups a day when I was younger to fuel full-time work, college, and partying. I ended up on a Holter monitor because my heart was doing funny things. Now I drink two cups a day and feel a lot better. I love coffee, and my doctor says it's good for the liver.

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DickBurns01@reddit

Drank coffee daily for 30 years then one day decided to stop. After about 8 months of nothing I started drinking hot tea in the morning even though I've never liked tea at any temperature. That's been going on for almost a year now. I did decide to make coffee one morning instead of tea a couple of months ago and didn't really like the bitterness of it. I've also always only drank my coffee black so that's probably some of bitterness.

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Aronacus@reddit

No, do you want people to die?!?

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donthavenosecrets@reddit

I quit for two whole years, but now back to drinking it and enjoying it again :) noticed lots of health benefits from quitting, but a lot of mental benefits from starting again. It's a toss up. Overall, I think it's a pretty benign enjoyment in my life, even at the cost of some VERY mild health disadvantages.

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2tall2fly@reddit

I just gave it up three weeks ago!

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keoaries@reddit

Decaf coffee tastes exactly the same. I drink one regular and several decaf almost every day.

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narcoleptic_dolphin@reddit

Lol no

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MrThouu@reddit

Quitting for long enough to restore my caffeine sensitivity has been on my TBD list for the past 3 years.

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Appropriate-Bid8671@reddit

Coffe has a whole host of beneficial effects on the body.

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WingmanZer0@reddit

I've cut down a lot. Probably down to 2 cups/ day from ....many.

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heyhayok@reddit

I used to drink coffee all day. First thing I drank in the morning and I drank coffee even after I got home from work around dinner time. Did this for easily 20 years. If I didn’t have a coffee by 10am I would have a headache all day no matter if I drank coffee or not for the rest of the day. Quit cold turkey one day and it’s been great. No afternoon crash. I thought I had anxiety but it turns out it was the caffeine. Huge savings not buying it. 3 years no coffee and I probably won’t ever go back and I LOVED coffee

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DefendsTheDownvoted@reddit

I'm 41. I started drinking more coffee so that I would drink less alcohol. More soda too. I try to go zero sugar caffeine free with the soda.

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Zebrehn@reddit

I drank coffee for a long time and eventually quit drinking it in my mid thirties. I’ve always been a night owl, so coffee basically kept me alive during work. One day, my boss said “You know, you drink a lot of coffee and always look exhausted. Have you tried not drinking coffee?” So, I decided to give up coffee, and suddenly I wasn’t incredibly tired all the time. I learned that the caffeine crash more than made up for the boost that it offered, and I had to drink roughly 1 cup per hour to not crash. I do miss coffee though, it’s delicious.

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theluzah@reddit

I had to quit coffee because it gives me a UTI now for some reason.

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New_Stats@reddit

Coffee is good for you. If you're drinking too much of it or if you add way too much of an unhealthy ingredient it can be bad but you can switch that up real quick and easy Oat milk is amazing in coffee, if you like it light and sweet like I did, absolutely try chocolate or vanilla oat milk, I promise you'll like it. And then you can switch to unsweetened oat milk easily if you want to https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/9-reasons-why-the-right-amount-of-coffee-is-good-for-you

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Chicken_and_chips@reddit

No I got a great coffee machine and get beans from a local supplier and make better coffee at home than I can get in any coffee shop.

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lakebistcho@reddit

I've been drinking daily since 2001 or so and I just quit for sleep reasons. Definitely has helped in my experience.

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Salty-Tea6815@reddit

I only drink coffee bcuz I like the taste so I mostly drink decaf. So if you don’t care about the caffeine you could try the decaf route and still enjoy your coffee routine.

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naranja_sanguina@reddit

Coffee has been shown to be great for your liver, so if you're not having problems related to caffeine, there's nothing wrong with enjoying your coffee! And if you are sensitive to caffeine, decaf seems to have the same health benefits. A win-win, IMO.

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Funkopedia@reddit

I'm physically dependent on it, so no.

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thewalruscandyman@reddit

Nope. I gave up dope, speed, drink, and ciggies though. Only reason I didn't give up coffee is I never drank the shit. 😆

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polygonalopportunist@reddit

Reported. Shame on you sir! Ive actually generally, cut down to one or two cups and tried to make it green tea afterwords.

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rainbwepidermis@reddit

I had to "stop drinking coffee" for my ulcers. Really, i just worked out a compromise with my body where on weekends i allow myself one cup after breakfast and it doesnt seem to affect me negatively as long as I use a non-dairy creamer with it.

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JohnMcClanewithshoes@reddit

I quit drinking coffee and most all caffeine over ten years ago because I was having a terrible time getting any sleep. I still can’t sleep but save a ton of money.

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Rich_Celebration477@reddit

I literally started with my grandparents at the coffee shop when I was 5 (lots of cream and sugar). By 3rd grade I was having my mom buy those Folgers coffee bags (like tea bags) Aside from an absolutely miserable week I took trying to kick it and failing, I have never gone more than a day without it. It’s probably been the most consistent thing in my entire life.

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Unhappy_Performer538@reddit

Coffee is good for you. There’s antioxidants and caffeine is also literally good for your brain. From the article “ Results The umbrella review identified 201 meta-analyses of observational research with 67 unique health outcomes and 17 meta-analyses of interventional research with nine unique outcomes. Coffee consumption was more often associated with benefit than harm for a range of health outcomes across exposures including high versus low, any versus none, and one extra cup a day. There was evidence of a non-linear association between consumption and some outcomes, with summary estimates indicating largest relative risk reduction at intakes of three to four cups a day versus none, including all cause mortality (relative risk 0.83, 95% confidence interval 0.83 to 0.88), cardiovascular mortality (0.81, 0.72 to 0.90), and cardiovascular disease (0.85, 0.80 to 0.90). High versus low consumption was associated with an 18% lower risk of incident cancer (0.82, 0.74 to 0.89). Consumption was also associated with a lower risk of several specific cancers and neurological, metabolic, and liver conditions.” https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5696634/#:~:text=Results%20The%20umbrella%20review%20identified,%2C%20metabolic%2C%20and%20liver%20conditions.

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Significant-Kale-463@reddit

Coffee is the only thing keeping me in the land of the living.

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inderu@reddit

I never drank coffee, but I used to drink a lot of black tea and Coke. I've been completely caffeine free for 9 years - and I sleep much better. I used to lie awake in bed for at least an hour every night, but since quitting caffeine I'm usually asleep within 10 minutes (unless it's a particularly stressful time). Now I drink decaf tea and Sprite Zero (which doesn't have caffeine), and a lot more water.

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BraeCol@reddit

Coffee stimulates me to be regular. It is why I drink it. Otherwise, tea is my go to.

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flamingknifepenis@reddit

Yup. I started drinking coffee at 17 and drank a metric fuck load of it all through my 20s and 30s, and even managed a coffee shop for a little while out of college. Around 38 I woke up one day and realized that the coffee was making me really anxious and I was feeling wiped out by midday and has to drink more, which made me anxious again. I decided to cut back for a while and switch to tea and see how it worked for me, and I found that after I adapted to it I felt much better. The secret for me was finding tea that I actually liked so it was something I looked forward to the way I did coffee. Steven Smith tea (made here in PDX) is great stuff if you can find it where you are. He’s the guy who started Stash tea, sold it, then started Tazo and sold that too, before deciding to make one last pet project company to do things “the right way.” I buy it wholesale through my wife’s work, but even without it’s pretty affordable if you buy it loose (bagged teas are a ripoff because you’re mostly paying for someone else to measure it for you). I still drink coffee occasionally, but I like having it as a special treat instead of as the norm.

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Sad_Apple_3387@reddit

Actually coffee is good for you. It has antioxidant properties. I never want to be without coffee.

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the_well_read_neck_@reddit

I didn't really have a choice in it. I started getting bad anxiety attacks in the morning. My brain associated coffee with it. I had to quit cold turkey. I could easily drink 2 pots a day. Years later, I'm off medication for my anxiety, can drink all the caffeine I want, except coffee. Thanks stupid brain!

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Adorable-Award-2975@reddit

It any only vice left haha can’t stop now

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mjh8212@reddit

At this point I drink coffee cause I like the taste. I’ve cut way back I used to have a mug that if I drank three cups it was the whole pot. Now I just have a couple small cups in the morning. I can drink coffee and take a nap.

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GroovyButtons@reddit

A few years ago, I had an insane iced coffee habit. I brewed my own cold brew in a special pitcher, and had a huge tumbler every day. At some point I realized that it was no longer helping me at all, just giving me a headache when I couldn't have it for some reason. I think I caught a stomach bug or something and couldn't drink my coffee for a couple of days, and felt like absolute hell on top of the illness. I started tapering it off, and now I only get coffee or an energy drink once or twice a week. I think my anxiety is better and I sleep better overall, and I'm glad I'm not tied to it anymore. There were no other noticeable health improvements, though.

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sonsofthedesert@reddit

I started drinking coffee at 47

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slehnhard@reddit

I switched from coffee to tea and feel much better. I still have an occasional coffee if the spirit moves me, so it’s not like I’m depriving myself. It helps that I really like tea though.

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oodopopopolopolis@reddit

I stopped drinking caffeinated coffee a few years ago and my sleep pattern is great now.

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napalmthechild@reddit

Coffee is awesome and good for you in moderation because of the anti-inflammatory compounds. But when people load it up with dairy and sugar you don’t get those benefits and are just left with the jitters. I drink drip straight up so I don’t think I’ll ever quit. I’ve tried green tea and oolong as a temporary replacement but it just doesn’t hit at as hard.

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NotRadTrad05@reddit

I replaced coffee with pre-workout.

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Combatical@reddit

I read this as you mix your coffee with your pre-workout and was like oh my lord! Which reminds me when we first got our nespresso machine I was mixing espresso into my coffee because I'm an idiot and thought thats how it works.. One day I put two espressos in my coffee because I've read "double espresso" on a chalkboard at a coffee place once.. Well, that day I ended up in the ER with hear palpitations.. Wild day, never again.

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NotRadTrad05@reddit

I don't do that but sometimes I do have more caffeine than I should.

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spareparts969@reddit

I just can't take it like I used to. More than one a day and I'm jittery.

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easytorememberuserid@reddit

I quit last year, and I sleep more deeply as a result.

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ObligationSlight8771@reddit

Other cultures intake caffeine as much and more than us Americans do. If it’s causing health issues then lay off, but it’s complete and acceptable to partake

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rjcpl@reddit

I’ve never understood the appeal of burnt bitter bean juice. The “it grows on you” sentiment is just caffeine addiction, right? 🙃

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typo180@reddit

I gave it up for about a year during the early COVID days and I did honestly feel better. I slept better, I was less anxious, my thinking was clearer, I didn't have afternoon crashes, I didn't get as many snack cravings, and I think I had more energy overall. I slowly got back into the habit, but I think I should quit again.

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Apprehensive_Map64@reddit

Yeah, I get a headache for most of the day and forget why everything seems to suck throughout the day. Then I remember I didn't get to have my three double espressos in the morning

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SARstar367@reddit

I used to drink tons of coffee. I switched to decaf tea about 3 years ago. Then I realized tea bags are full of microplastic. Ugh. So now I’m fancy and use loose leaf tea. It has actually saved me a solid $200/m by giving up my coffee habit. Plus I’m hydrated. Win win.

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Separate-Relative-83@reddit

Coffee has a lot of health benefits unless the caffeine is messing with you. Like lots! If you do decaf only do water processed bc otherwise the caffeine is chemically extracted. I drink it daily, worked in coffee shops for years back in the day.

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Whatisgoingonnowyo@reddit

I’m 100% decaf now. Haven’t quit coffee at all. Just quit caffeine.

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hatfarm@reddit

I had to around my 40th birthday because it was making my ibs CRAZY. I switched to black tea and it has been alright.

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sleepy_potatoe_@reddit

Nope. I tried several years ago but I couldn’t. I started drinking coffee when I was 18 or 19(I’m 45 now) and drank it with lots of cream and sugar. Now I just drink it black and only really get Americano, black coffee or a blonde vanilla latte with oat milk gotta be fancy.

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NartFocker9Million@reddit

Coffee and Reddit are my only vices left. Don’t you fuckin’ think about it.

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GruntPickle@reddit

I had to stop about two months ago after dealing with heart palpitations for six months. Tried everything to make them stop, finally eliminated coffee and away they went. I was so mad.

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swaggering_yak@reddit

Unless you have health issues that are exacerbated by caffeine/coffee, there is no harm in drinking it and no need to give it up.

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Aggressive-Oil-4125@reddit

Yeah just kind of stopped without even trying last year.

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albanyanthem@reddit

I’ve downshifted to a half caffeine blend to help manage IBS symptoms. Still not perfect but better. Might have to roll over to decaf possibly but I’m not looking forward to it.

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firstlight777@reddit

Quit coffee 3 years ago, I'm 47. So nice to wake up and not feel like I need a drug to get me going. Guess what water and some food wakes you up just as much coffee's a lie. I do like some tea though now.

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redcurrantevents@reddit

I’ve had coffee every day but a tiny handful for the past 30 years. I’ll never stop unless a doctor tells me it will kill me. I feel pretty good for my age (‘78).

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armchair_viking@reddit

I quit every day around 10am.

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Awkward-Adeptness-75@reddit

I cut it out about 5 years ago when I was eliminating acidic drinks/foods from my diet that were affecting my bladder. Now I don’t have taste for it. I drink chai in morning instead.

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NavierIsStoked@reddit

I've been a lifelong coffee drinker. But it really started affecting me badly in recent years. I have switched to decaf only (which really means very low caffeine, not caffeine free).

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trajiin@reddit

I had to quit due to having GERD, I love coffee but it would hammer me. I work shifts and quitting coffee was the best thing I've ever done to improve my sleep.

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Notchersfireroad@reddit

I didn't even start until my late 30's. Can't imagine not having it first thing anymore. Only thing that gets things moving if you know what I mean.

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Miami_Mice2087@reddit

not successfully... i switched to tea for like 2 years but eventually i couldn't concentrate at work without the coffee.

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MotherofaPickle@reddit

I’ve quit off and on over the years. Mostly when it makes my stomach hurt. I usually quit for at least six months, once for two years. I really love the smell and taste, so that keeps bringing me back. I usually stop after two cups or until 8:30am, though, because any later and I don’t sleep well.

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Piononoelectrico@reddit

My wife is going thru it right now. We are both heavy coffee drinkers, have espresso machine at home and when around town, we end up drinking at different coffee places. I think I would not be able to function without coffee but she has replaced it for a month now, first week was a bit rough but now she just craves the taste. We'll see how long it takes. I work at a place with a barista on site so I drink about 3 americanos a day or more.

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Minute-Yogurt-2021@reddit

Due to having panic attacks I haven't got a coffee in years. I drink decaf though.

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geriatricxennial@reddit

I've quit before, and it made a huge difference in my overall health, mood, and gut health. Of course went back to it, but am starting to quit again and drinking tea instead. I just don't enjoy coffee like I used it, especially after the winter/spring cold I had this year.

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BoringExperience5345@reddit

I have within the last year and the benefits are many, but specifically reduction and anxiety and irritability are top of the list along with not having to wake up an hour before I take a shower in order to consume my medicine. I can just roll out of bed and get straight in the shower and I feel great.

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SciFi_MuffinMan@reddit

Heresy.

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flyza_minelli@reddit

I drank it religiously every day multiple times a day for decades. About 4 years ago I went through a bout of depression where I couldn’t bring myself to get out of bed, let alone take care of myself. The coffee addiction couldn’t even get me out of bed. So I guess I stopped drinking it. I may have a cup at a diner every once in a while, but even when my husband makes a pot of coffee in the morning, I still don’t have any. Not sure why. Wasn’t trying to stop.

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andiinAms@reddit

I guess I’d ask what your reasons are for wanting to quit?

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AnonymousIdentityMan@reddit

I am 37 days cold turkey. I have anxiety, intrusive thoughts, rumination and OCD. I am still struggling. Just have to wait it out.

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cottoncandymandy@reddit

No but I did go from drinking around 3 to 4 cups a day (sometimes more) to only one in the morning. All the caffeine was making me feel shitty and I did feel better cutting down. 🤷‍♀️

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Appropriate-Food1757@reddit

Quitting coffee is bad for your health. It’s like a superfood.

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nudoru@reddit

I've been drinking coffee for decades (since high school), and after developing sleep issues, I tried to cut down significantly. I gradually mixed in decaf and am now at 1/2 caf in 1 cup per day, down from 3-4 cups of full caf. After a few months, I haven't noticed any benefits, which has been incredibly disappointing. I enjoy my morning cup, so I'm not likely to ever stop completely.

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naju@reddit

I quit coffee for years. Then deliberately decided to un-quit it. Quitting didn't make anything "better" as far as I could tell. Drinking coffee, however, alleviates some of my ADHD symptoms to a degree so I can actually get started on work projects, so I find a real and tangible benefit to drinking it. Especially since I'm off ADHD medications for the time being. The key for me is just don't overdo it, and no caffeine past a certain point in the day so that I can fall asleep at night and sleep well.

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handsoapdispenser@reddit

Coffee drinking has mostly positive health benefits unless you're particularly sensitive to caffeine. There's some proven benefits to moderate coffee drinking and no concrete reasons to quit. Unless you're certain it's affecting your sleep or triggering reflux or something like that. There are 100 other things you should prioritize above it if you want to improve your fitness. Count calories, increase fiber and get as much exercise as you can. Those have huge and proven benefits for almost everybody.

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Reen842@reddit

2-4 cups a day is recommended by doctors and dieticians here. Loads of studies that point towards health benefits including lower instances of type 2 diabetes and better a1C in diabetics among other things.

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stellarduchess@reddit

How dare you suggest such a thing.

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Fabulous_Audience_92@reddit

I quit to to get off blood pressure medicine. My blood pressure didn't move at all. Now that isn't a factor, I have coffee 0-2 times a week. The positives I feel my sleep is improved I don't spend money on coffee I wake up ready to go most days When I have coffee, it has a big impact, so great when I have poor sleep The negatives About 10 days of being a grumpy gus

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blue-marmot@reddit

I was definitely very addicted when I was in the military. I've cut back to 1 a day. I do love the taste. I could probably take it or leave it, and this point.

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D34N2@reddit

I quit caffeine entirely a few times. It's not so bad. The trick for me is to drink a lot of water and to get a bit of exercise after lunch. Staying off caffeine is another thing though, and depends heavily on one's work schedule.

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pbpluspickles@reddit

I’ve quit at various times. Here’s what I notice once I’ve gotten over the withdrawal symptoms: -I’m less anxious. My brain stops ping-ponging around and I can focus better. -I can wake up far, far easier. -Fewer unpleasant GI issues.

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Trick-Session2388@reddit

I wasn't a lifelong drinker, but it became a useful tool when I was in school again for career 2.0 and transitioning out of a full time job. It never really helped me focus, I was a groggy bitch when I woke up, and I never had a normotensive blood pressure reading when I did drink coffee. After an ADHD diagnosis and ritalin prescription, I definitely couldn't mix the coffee and meds, so it was easy to quit. Ritalin actually helps me focus and is kinder to my cardiovascular system. Good luck!

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-Red-7-@reddit

You can have my coffee when you pry it out of my cold, dead hands ![gif](giphy|LvtKS6f1WatQ4|downsized)

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pee_shudder@reddit

I quit all caffeine and my chronic back pain halved.

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Sodamyte@reddit

I only stopped because it's gotten quite expensive.

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VinylHighway@reddit

Try roasting your own :)

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BurnerMcBurnfacer@reddit

Boom, roasted. ![gif](giphy|RdKjAkFTNZkWUGyRXF)

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sleepy_potatoe_@reddit

![gif](giphy|IjJ8FVe4HVk66yvlV2|downsized)

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AstuteStoat@reddit

How much do you drink? If it's just a cup or two a day, then you're getting great antioxidants, vitamin b2, and vitamin b5. coffee prepared with a paper filter is overall good for most people. If you drink A LOT of coffee, then you might have a dopamine problem, and might need to investigate stopping coffee to help your sleep habits or to get evaluated for ADHD. If so, you can maybe add coffee back in after you figure iut how to manage your symptoms.

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bigmacher1980@reddit

No - i only have one good cup and i really enjoy it.

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generalfailure2077@reddit

I drank a lot of coffee in my youth, probably at least 4 cups a day, sometimes up to 10 from the age of about 16 to about 28. As soon as I stopped I noticed I wasn’t getting heart palpitations anymore, every more and again I’d have panic attacks ( like once or twice a year) but those have stopped entirely, my indigestion cleared up completely…. My piss stopped stinking of coffee, my sweat smelled no where near as gross, teeth stopped going yellow.. All that I can live without…. All that for a minor buzz that keeps me awake so I can work more. Fuck No.

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Jack_0318@reddit

I would rather die

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OkInspector7470@reddit

I became caffeine sensitive and reg coffee gave me the sweaty panics. But I drink a couple cups of 'classroom blend' (weak) decaf daily. Really, I love the ritual, warmth, smell more than anything.

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jcstrat@reddit

I love my morning latte, and the ritual in making it (I’m sure as hell not paying for one from Starbucks or something every day). I don’t plan on voluntarily giving that up. I gave up smoking years ago, drinking alcohol a couple years back. Let me have this.

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nic_b2020@reddit

Yes. I switched to black tea about six months ago and rarely have coffee anymore. Coffee was both giving me heartburn and heart palpitations. Black tea still has caffeine but not as much as my drip coffee did. I feel so much better and I rarely drink coffee anymore.

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FigureFourWoo@reddit

I had to give up caffeine due to a medical issue and honestly, it’s been one of the best decisions I ever made.

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Worried-Trade-6407@reddit

I quit cold turkey in 2013 haven't looked back!

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kiki_deli@reddit

Stopped drinking coffee last year, switched to tea. After a few weeks I felt like a different person. Turns out I didn't have anxiety.

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Spiritual-Promise402@reddit

Me, can't afford any of my vices in this economy

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Secret-Top3200@reddit

Currently hooked on one Celsius or Alani Nu a day, and i usually add a cup of coffee if working in the office…with kids and work I suppose I could try to do without, but not sure that would be better…

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jtho78@reddit

Coffee is very good for you based on my selective research. I’ve cut back but I don’t think I will ever give up

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HHSquad@reddit

I switched to Matcha Green tea from Japan

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SquirrelCone83@reddit

i don't drink much coffee, I brew about 18 oz every morning and have to pour some of that out since it won't fit in my coffee thermos. And then I might have a soda for lunch and dinner. If I miss my morning coffee I do get a nasty headache so clearly I'm addicted but until the price of coffee goes up significantly, which will probably be soon, I don't see any reason for me to quit.

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Comprehensive-Fact94@reddit

I never drank it. Then started drinking it daily for 3 or 4 years. Black, from a french press. The only thing I noticed at the time was that it stained my teeth. I started getting more cavities around that time as well. Not sure if that was cause or correlation though. I quit due to the teeth staining. After the withdrawals, I noticed I was less aggressive at work. More calm throughout the day. Mildly tired all day as opposed to awake early and crashing in the afternoon. I appear to have acid reflux now. Never had heartburn in my life until recently. But wondering if the years of coffee drinking may have been a cause.

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AntiRepresentation@reddit

Yeah. I'm only doing tea now. Feel better than ever. Any deep dependency can be problematic. If 'missing your coffee' puts you in a bad mood or causes you to lose capacity then you're probably a problem drinker.

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Charmedagnosti8@reddit

Nope.

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The_Pedestrian_walks@reddit

I've changed the way I drink it. Instead of drinking multiple cups throughout the day, I'll have a double espresso most mornings. The espresso is easier on my stomach and by keeping it to one a day I don't notice any negative effects.

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Primary-Performer853@reddit

Switched to decaf about 10 years ago and that's been just fine for me. I know it's not free from caffeine but I'm pretty active at work and I only have a single 12 oz cup on weekdays. None on the weekends. Keeps me sated.

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BusyArachnid8039@reddit

I quit about three years ago, it was hurting my tummy :(

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PhysicsStock2247@reddit

I think that would wreck me. I’ve been drinking coffee regularly since the age of 10.

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Siphoneder@reddit

Had to stop drinking it when I stopped smoking like 15 years ago because coffee and cigarettes was so intertwined in morning routines at the time. Didn't really notice any physical or mentlal health benefits from stopping either, but I was about 30 years old. Picked coffee back up a few years after without smoking. Quitting alcohol a few years ago had the most noticeable beneficial effect on body and mind.

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herseyhawkins33@reddit

No but I'm very regimented to 1 coffee a day.

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leviathynx@reddit

I’m on week 4 of no coffee. I quit it after getting gastritis. Once I got through the caffeine headaches I’ve noticed I’m more even keeled all day. My stress is a lot less, but I also don’t have a steady source of poo juice. You have to offset by drinking a ton of water and upping your fiber intake.

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olliepop2013@reddit

I switched to decaf several years ago and haven't looked back. I order my decaf coffee from a local roaster pre-ground. It's high quality and soooo good in my french press. It's $35 for a 2 lb bag and lasts me a month. I have it on autoship. I do have unsweetened tea a couple of times a week, but the caffeine in that doesn't hit the same....sleep is fine, and I don't have withdrawals without it.

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3OsInGooose@reddit

There can be small changes on margins and individual experiences with both benefits (mental focus, management of some categories of ADHD) and issues (GI, jitteriness, headaches, etc.), but as a general statement: caffeine is the most widely consumed drug in the world. If there were huge swings in health with it, we'd know already.

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ScottishKnifemaker@reddit

I've cut it down to a single cup a day when I first get up, unless I go get a frappe from McDonald's or something

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glitterfairykitten@reddit

I moved to Portugal and *started* drinking coffee after never touching the stuff for 44 years. Decaf mostly, because I’m pretty sensitive to caffeine, but yeah. The only other options in my cafe/“office” are orange juice, beer, bad tea, or water, so must needs I guess.

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AdditionalMustard@reddit

I think my body would shut down. I drink so much caffeine that if I were to have a heart attack, it would be classified as "self defense".

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BrontosaurusB@reddit

Coffee caffeine levels got me feeling edgy sometimes so I switched to black tea 10 years ago. The theanine in tea smooths out the caffeine spikes so it’s been a permanent switch for me. I don’t think coffee is bad for most people, it’s the dairy and sugar that makes it “bad”.

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FixEfficient2144@reddit

I drank Mountain Dew for as long as I can remember and then switched to coffee. I’ve been caffeine free for about 5 years and I don’t hate waking up in the morning/require assistance to do so. It’s fun not to be tethered by an addiction. I also quit smoking cigarettes and drinking, so my opinion is skewed by the significant increase in overall healthy feeling.

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joshmoney@reddit

Hell naw

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variegated_lemon@reddit

I have a friend who only drinks a cup of decaf now because caffeine started really bothering her (making her too jittery and upsetting her stomach). I can’t imagine a morning without at least one cup. It benefits me mentally absolutely, but not sure about physically. I don’t think a cup or two of coffee is bad for you, so unless you are having issues with it, why quit?? Dropping alcohol and starting exercise have much more drastic physical benefits!

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VinylHighway@reddit

Coffee is an healthy for you as tea just different anti oxidants. Other than the addiction and issues of you drink too much it’s pretty health.

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FoppyRETURNS@reddit

My mother quit drinking coffee daily when she retired. Pretty much when there wasn't a time limit on waking up she got along quite well.

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