What it is
A stimulant drug found in tea, coffee, cocoa, many soft drinks including colas and some chocolates. Also used in large quantities in drinks like 'Red Bull' and tablets such as 'Pro Plus' which are advertised for 'energy giving' and 'relieving tiredness'. Caffeine is also present in many medicines and also sometimes in illegal drugs like amphetamine and ecstasy.
Street names
None for caffeine itself but tea and coffee are often called brew or cuppa.
How it is taken
Swallowed.
Extent of use
Possibly our, favourite, favourite drug, even more so than alcohol. Many young children take a lot of caffeine in soft drinks and chocolates. Older people drink lots of tea and coffee every day, throughout the day. In the recent years the UK has seen the introduction of particularly strong coffee brands. At the same time some people now drink decaffeinated teas and coffee.
Effects of use
- It is a stimulant and increases the heart rate and blood pressure. (Find out by drinking a few cups of tea, coffee or cola and take a measure of your pulse rate before and after.)
- Makes people feel more energetic and awake. Combats drowsiness and tiredness.
- Unlike other drugs, dependence on caffeine is not usually regarded as a problem.
- The health risks of long-term use are unclear. However, some people say it can lead to asthma and ulcers and possibly kidney, bladder, heart and blood pressure problems.
- Some people think that if children consume a lot of caffeine they may become hyperactive and unable to concentrate or sit still. A child drinking a can of cola may be taking the equivalent of an adult drinking four cups of coffee.
- Some teenage girls take a lot of caffeine (in strong black coffee, diet colas, Pro Plus pills etc) as a way of not feeling hungry and not taking many calories. This can contribute to an obsession with slimming and lead to anorexia.
The Law
No legal restrictions on tea, coffee, cocoa, soft drinks or chocolate. Tablets like Pro Plus can be bought without prescription from a chemist. Energy drinks like Red Bull are not subject to restrictions.
