Caffeine, Children, and Addiction

Addictive substances are characterized by their stimulation of the neurotransmitter dopamine at various sites throughout the brain. Caffeine is known to stimulate dopaminergic pathways and therefore has significant addictive potential. Many individuals experience withdrawals from caffeine that include severe headaches. Caffeine Use Disorder is now a recognized clinical diagnosis in the DSM-5. By exposing children to addictive substances during critical periods of brain development, dysfunctional brain circuitry can develop, placing the child at higher risk for developing other addictions that are substance-related or behavioral (i.e. internet gaming, gambling). It appears that the profit-driven food and beverage industry is stimulating the creation of addicts at younger and younger ages in the US, leading to a tremendous healthcare burden. For many people the substance-seeking behavior leads to illicit drugs and/or alcohol, others become addicted to highly palatable foods, and many cross-addict through various substance-related and behavioral addictions. It is possible that chronic caffeine exposure during childhood and adolescence is a significant contributor to the growing problem of addiction in our country.