I stopped caffeine for a few months a couple times in the past. I came to the conclusion that I am not my best self when I don't have caffeine.
Every single thing I would do that required attention was harder, even intently listening to an audio book while taking a walk. I'm honestly not convinced that taking powerful prescribed stimulants has an advantage over simply enjoying a cup of coffee and/or tea.
The way I think of my caffeine addiction is that I take a daily loan out against my evening energy and focus in exchange for the additional focus during the day.
This is a common story for people with ADHD. If caffeine can be treated as a medication and you are mindful of timing and doses, I don't see why it shouldn't be an option.
I had a similar experience. I 100% gave up all caffeine for an entire calendar year. I resumed drinking coffee on January 1st of the next year, felt super great and focused, and haven't stopped again except for an occasional weekend off as a reset.
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I stopped caffeine for a few months a couple times in the past. I came to the conclusion that I am not my best self when I don't have caffeine.
Every single thing I would do that required attention was harder, even intently listening to an audio book while taking a walk. I'm honestly not convinced that taking powerful prescribed stimulants has an advantage over simply enjoying a cup of coffee and/or tea.
The way I think of my caffeine addiction is that I take a daily loan out against my evening energy and focus in exchange for the additional focus during the day.
This is a common story for people with ADHD. If caffeine can be treated as a medication and you are mindful of timing and doses, I don't see why it shouldn't be an option.
Caffeine is not very much dopaminergic. What made my ADHD terribly worse was quitting nicotine.
I had a similar experience. I 100% gave up all caffeine for an entire calendar year. I resumed drinking coffee on January 1st of the next year, felt super great and focused, and haven't stopped again except for an occasional weekend off as a reset.