Caffeine is a natural, central nervous system stimulant. There are many different substances that are considered stimulants, including illegal drugs (e.g. cocaine, methamphetamines, etc.), caffeine, nicotine, and prescription stimulants (e.g. Vyvanse, Ritalin, Adderall, etc.). Stimulant drugs are a class of psychoactive substances that, according to Drug Policy Alliance, “stimulate or activate the central nervous system and are commonly referred to as ‘uppers.’” Generally, stimulants work by altering and increasing the effects of certain neurotransmitters in one’s body. Specifically, caffeine stimulates the brain by blocking the effects of adenosine. An article published in Psychopharmacology asserts that in adults, small doses of caffeine can increase information processing speed, awareness, attention, and reaction time as well as enhance one’s alertness and mood. Although much of the clinical research related to caffeine has been conducted on adults, many children consume caffeine regularly. According to Michigan Health, a study from 2014 found that roughly 73 percent of adolescents consume caffeine, daily.
Every adolescent is unique and each teen has a distinct metabolism and will have varied tolerance levels with regard to caffeine intake. Further, some young people are simply more sensitive to caffeine than others. Caffeine can cause a variety of unwanted side effects. Kids Health provides the following examples of common adverse side effects that can present in adolescents that have consumed caffeine:
The effects of caffeine can begin as soon as a few minutes after it is consumed. Caffeine has a half-life, meaning the length of time the substance will remain in one’s system until the concentration in one’s blood has been reduced by half, of approximately five to six hours.
There is no definitive answer as to whether caffeine is safe for teens and adolescents to ingest. The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry advises caution, and suggests “adolescents ages 12 to 18 should cap daily caffeine intake at 100 mg (the equivalent of about one cup of coffee, one to two cups of tea, or two to three cans of soda). For children under 12, there’s no designated safe threshold.” Young people that exceed the recommended amount of caffeine expose themselves to developing a variety of unwanted long-term effects. Perhaps the more pointed question of if there are any known benefits to teens and adolescents drinking caffeine should be considered.
Seeking help is never easy, but you are not alone! If you or someone you know is in need of mental health treatment, we strongly encourage you to reach out for help as quickly as possible. It is not uncommon for many mental health difficulties to impact a person for the long term. The earlier you seek support, the sooner you and your loved ones can return to happy, healthy and fulfilling lives.
Our admissions team is available to answer any general questions regarding mental health issues, treatment, and/or specific questions about the program at Pacific Teen Treatment and how we might be able to help your family. We can be reached by phone 24/7 at 800-531-5769. You can also contact us via email at info@pacificrtc.com.
PTT provides treatment for the contemporary issues facing teenagers in today’s world utilizing a family focused and collaborative approach providing individualized care for teens and their families. Licensed by the State of California, Community Care Licensing Division #198209636
At a time when most residential programs are affiliated with large healthcare corporations or backed by private equity, Pacific Teen Treatment is proudly a private, family-owned operation.
