Addiction to energy drinks, is that possible? [Archive]

Conquiztador

10th August 2009, 20:22

I have for many years now been drinking cans of V. I prefer the green ones even if I have tried the others. They have become a standard part of my day in same way someone else would drink coffee daily. I don't drink coffee, I dislike the taste.

But as I want to get some money left over I started to look at all things where I spend. And the V cans is something I think I can survive without. Considering that a normal day includes 4 of them there is a few dollars to save there.

So I had my last ones yesterday. Never had any addiction in my life to drugs, smoking, alcohol or anything else (apart from bike riding, but I recon that is totally different). Many years ago I worked in a drug detox and did see all the withdraw symptoms the "clients" had.

I wake up today and feel like I had been hit by a bus. Pain in legs, in arms, brain not functioning as I know it normally does. And I think "great I am getting the flu!".

But as the day goes on and I crave for a can of V a light goes up! It is not the flu, it is my body craving the caffeine and whatever else there is in the V cans that my body has gotten used to having daily!

Or maybe I am imagining things?

Jizah

10th August 2009, 20:25

You're not imagining things. Have fun detoxing.

Mully

10th August 2009, 20:25

Yup, you're addicted to the caffeine and the sugar. Remember that Guarana is caffeine by another name.

I would have suggested weaning yourself off them, rather than going "cold turkey" so to speak.

Pussy

10th August 2009, 20:26

You're not imagining things. Have fun detoxing.
Wot he said!!

Usarka

10th August 2009, 20:27

boman

10th August 2009, 20:28

Yup have fun detoxin alright. I know of four or five people in the same boat as you. 5-6 bottles a day at least. They can go 2 days without a fix. At the most.

Conquiztador

10th August 2009, 20:40

Yep. Remember my brother needed coffee every morning to get started. If he did not get it he became more of an asshole then he normally was.

I have no worries re dropping the V. Vill be interesting to see when I feel normal again.

Madness

10th August 2009, 20:40

Your avatar suddenly seems so appropriate. Maybe you should try P, see if it helps to wean you off V.

1wheel riot

10th August 2009, 20:43

yep what thay said give it to or three days and it will be gone

gatch

10th August 2009, 22:55

Its just like going without coffee. In a few days you'll be back to square one.

rainman

10th August 2009, 23:23

Too much sugar and caffeine is really bad for your physical and mental health. I have recently cut back a heavy coffee habit and I'm only just starting to feel normal again. It's been 2 weeks, and I didn't do cold turkey. Get out into the sun, hang with your friends, do physical work/exercise and you'll feel better.

Sable

11th August 2009, 01:19

I drink a can or 2 of Demon/Red Bull/Ink a day. I can go til about 5pm without a can, after that I start feeling really sick and tired. I'm trying to quit, it's harder than smoking.

YellowDog

11th August 2009, 06:10

I drink a can or 2 of Demon/Red Bull/Ink a day. I can go til about 5pm without a can, after that I start feeling really sick and tired. I'm trying to quit, it's harder than smoking.
Guys, there is a good reason as to why these types of drinks are not legal in some US states. The research on dependancy and side effects (including strokes) does not make good reading.

These drinks don't affect everyone in the same way, but addiction is common.

CookMySock

11th August 2009, 06:39

Carry a water bottle. Refill it twice a day at least. Find some nice filtered water. Take regular breaks.

Steve

mattian

11th August 2009, 07:31

It's common knowledge that caffeine is addictive and most energy drinks have the same if not more than, the amount of caffeine in a cup of coffee.
I am addicted to coffee. I can't go a day without one or 3 cups. I have tried going cold turkey. I get a shocking headache, nusea and the shakes if I try to go without coffee...... its horrible! on the other hand...... there are alot worse things you could be addicted to.:wari:

The Pastor

11th August 2009, 08:42

replace the V with smokes n booze

tri boy

11th August 2009, 08:53

RM is on the right path:innocent:
Switch from V to Red Bull. Add Vodka, and pour down your throat.
It will make you strong n clever.

MHO

imdying

11th August 2009, 08:55

DB and rainman are on to it... sunshine and water for you chap.

Interesting that you don't like coffee... Never tried it myself, I find the smell repulsive. Not too many of us around.

Swoop

11th August 2009, 08:56

Perhaps have a chat with a KB member who sells the stuff?

Linky. (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/member.php?u=22398)

Blackshear

11th August 2009, 09:03

Yeah I used to drink 2 500mL cans of V a day for a few months.
Now it's just a litre of demon... Cheaper :mellow:

Also need to start doing situps.

Conquiztador

11th August 2009, 09:38

Day two. Would be nice with a can of V. Was thinking about quickly going to the shop before I got my boys out of bed this morning, but decided not to. Apart from that thought I am OK. Legs still feel shakey and a little starnge in head. I was expecting I would be annoyed by my boys normal morning stuff, but no problem. I was actually better than I been for a while with them.

Went out for a quick bike ride yesterday and it clearly got the adrenaline going, so got one drug flushing the system. Might have to do that today again.

But slept more last night then my normal 3 - 6 hours.

R6_kid

11th August 2009, 09:53

Carry a water bottle. Refill it twice a day at least. Find some nice filtered water. Take regular breaks.

Steve

What's the point in carrying a bottle around? Better advice would be to drink at least, but preferably two bottles of water a day. :Pokey:

rainman

11th August 2009, 10:12

But slept more last night then my normal 3 - 6 hours.

As one (semi-former) insomniac to another: dude, you gotta fix that.

sunhuntin

11th August 2009, 12:21

i get headaches if i go without a can of coke a day. a few years ago, while i was overseas, i quit coke cold turkey and didnt drink it for about 4 months. i replaced it chocolate milk instead. i had a ripper head ache yesterday when mum and i went to palmy. didnt have a coke till we got home. first sip, and the headache was gone. one day ill stop drinking it.

im also another that doesnt like coffee. much rather have hot choc.

Conquiztador

12th August 2009, 18:46

Day 3: All well. Not actually wanting any V. Might have to do with my brilliant plan: I have placed a doz Steinlagers in the fridge, so every time I get thirsty I drink a beer!

Maan I am clever. ;)

Hitcher

12th August 2009, 18:56

Or maybe I am imagining things?

Given the numbers of Fat Slappers(TM) one has seen with cans of V or Red Bull permanently welded to their hands, one suspects that addiction is indeed possible.

CookMySock

12th August 2009, 20:13

What's the point in carrying a bottle around? Better advice would be to drink at least, but preferably two bottles of water a day. :Pokey:You absorb water much much better if you have a slurp now and then. Having a big guzzle irregularly just passes it straight through. It's socially desirable these days to carry a water bottle too.. ;)

As one (semi-former) insomniac to another: dude, you gotta fix that.The more I drink, the better I sleep. Back off the water about 6pm, and just a sip before sleep. But yeah, not sleeping is crippling.. just getting mine sorted out now.

Steve

Little Miss Trouble

12th August 2009, 20:55

As a coffee junky of erm..12 years (?) I'm hardly surprised you're going through withdrawls.
No advice from me, just to say "good luck" I stopped trying to give up a long time ago.

zx rider

12th August 2009, 21:55

The stuff in these drinks dehidrates your insides. Makes you thirsty for more but prolonged use will affect you very badly with joint pains, early arthrites, muscle aches and stiffness.
You might like the hit or rush it gives you now, but please be carefull.
Health proffesionals are seeing more young people with these older person problems and reckon the side affects can be worse than smoking. Some are calling for a ban on these drinks already.
It's your body though, so burn it out any way you like. As they say USER PAYS.

AllanB

12th August 2009, 22:05

Right - that's it no more for a week. I have a sugar free one say every second day.

Now about my other adiction - it's much worse.

You

may

have

heard

of

it.

KIWI BIKER :bleh::bleh::bleh:

Conquiztador

12th August 2009, 22:42

I am not (sadly) young enuf to be able to damage my self for when I am old.

But today I have spent heaps of time with my kids. Normally when I get home I am totally nacked.

And as the only thing I have done differently is stopping the V's (and added some beers...) I really want to see if this carries on. Spent an hour singing Queen and Metallica songs with my 8yo on playstation...

ready4whatever

13th August 2009, 13:41

my gf is the same. drinks the shit like theres no tomorrow

marioc

13th August 2009, 13:52

"But slept more last night then my normal 3 - 6 hours. '

Christ man thats half your problem.
I dont care who you are or what you might think you need more sleep that that

Nagash

13th August 2009, 15:42

I'm trying to quit, it's harder than smoking.

Hahahaha...

Sorry, that one made me laugh.

Been quitting smoking for 2 years now, getting there.

Quitting caffeine, alcohol, and recreational drugs? No problem.

fire eyes

13th August 2009, 15:46

good luck and go hard Con .. :rockon:

Conquiztador

13th August 2009, 17:13

"But slept more last night then my normal 3 - 6 hours. '

Christ man thats half your problem.
I dont care who you are or what you might think you need more sleep that that

Never slept much. Long before starting o drink V I survived on less sleep then most others. I enjoy the quietness of the night and it is when I do the stuff I enjoy: Working on bikes, writing, thinking. Suppose we are all different.

slydesigns

13th August 2009, 19:29

Remember that Guarana is caffeine by another name.

Not true Guarana isn't caffeine per say, the SEEDS in the Guarana (pronouced "gwaadana - its from Brazil and my partner is Brazilian) are the source of the caffeine. There is a drink from a company called Antarctic, from Portugal, thats imported into NZ by Amazonian supplies thats a Guarana berry softdrink, it kicks ass for taste, makes V taste totally crap by comparison and has zero caffeine.

Harvd

13th August 2009, 20:43

Got a family friend that went to fight in 'Nam (no shit hes american) and started drinking 6 cans of diet coke a day. Fucked him up real good after 6 months out there. not so many teeth now either...

Sable

14th August 2009, 00:39

Never slept much. Long before starting o drink V I survived on less sleep then most others. I enjoy the quietness of the night and it is when I do the stuff I enjoy: Working on bikes, writing, thinking. Suppose we are all different.

Yeah, it's nice. I stay up til 3am most of the time doing screw-all. No-one to bother you.

mynameis

14th August 2009, 01:12

It all starts with V dude :laugh:

Conquiztador

14th August 2009, 08:51

Day 5: Feeling good. Used to wake up feeling like I had a hangover and needed a V straight away to get my self going. Today none of that. Head clear straight away, and no wish to get a V.

Sorted?

Conquiztador

15th August 2009, 00:28

At 7pm when taking my boys to their mum for the w/e I stopped at a petrol station. Filled up and was also thirsty. Walked in to pay and went for a drink. And it was first time I noticed that 50% (at a minimum!) of all cans are energy drinks! In the end grabbed a fruju and drank. Had a look at the V's an smiled.

This w/e with the 1500k ride (if I decide on the bike in the rain) will be the test. If I pass that one then all sorted.

Creeping Death

15th August 2009, 01:25

Your avatar suddenly seems so appropriate. Maybe you should try P, see if it helps to wean you off V.

Funny that letters of the alphabet are so dangerous...E...P and now V...shit there's still like 23 letters left to use!:gob:

Usarka

15th August 2009, 07:29

Day 5: Feeling good. Used to wake up feeling like I had a hangover and needed a V straight away to get my self going. Today none of that. Head clear straight away, and no wish to get a V.

Sorted?

A big danger with getting over an addiction is the part where you fell you've nailed it. Then have "just one" either for old times sake, or to test yourself. There is no such thing as "just one"!

:niceone:

Rcktfsh

15th August 2009, 07:43

Got a family friend that went to fight in 'Nam (no shit hes american) and started drinking 6 cans of diet coke a day. Fucked him up real good after 6 months out there. not so many teeth now either...

Hate to let facts get in the way of a good story, fortunately though the above hardly rates as a goos story. Diet Coke wasn't introduced until independence day 1982 therefore being to young to be drafted to nam.

Elysium

15th August 2009, 08:51

If anyone reads today's paper you'll come across a story of a 15 year old school girl who bought one of the energy shot drinks. As you proberly guessed she collapsed after compaining of racing heart.

Not surprising the dairy owner doesn't care he's selling these things to young kids.

"Dairy owner Hitesh Vyas blamed a "new employee" for the mistake and said it would not happen again.

The school has also criticised the dairy for selling stink bombs, water bombs and single eggs to pupils, which were later used during fights.

Mr Vyas said the dairy had every right to sell what it wanted and it was not up to him to ask customers what they intended to do with their purchases.

"I have a business to run."

Sounds like a load of crap to me but I bet he's also been selling cigarette to the same age group if he says "I have a business to run"

http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/2754833/Girl-15-collapses-after-energy-shot-drink

AllanB

15th August 2009, 09:31

Hate to let facts get in the way of a good story, fortunately though the above hardly rates as a goos story. Diet Coke wasn't introduced until independence day 1982 therefore being to young to be drafted to nam.

Plus Diet Coke does not contain sugar so it's unlikely to F your teeth.

I too have been V free this week, however my consumption was only a can every second day. However by lunch time yesterday I have saved enough to purchase a venison pie for lunch! :niceone: Possibly a new addiction here ......

Madness

15th August 2009, 09:38

"Dairy owner Hitesh Vyas blamed a "new employee" for the mistake and said it would not happen again.

The school has also criticised the dairy for selling stink bombs, water bombs and single eggs to pupils, which were later used during fights.

Mr Vyas said the dairy had every right to sell what it wanted and it was not up to him to ask customers what they intended to do with their purchases.

"I have a business to run."

Sounds like a load of crap to me but I bet he's also been selling cigarette to the same age group if he says "I have a business to run"

http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/2754833/Girl-15-collapses-after-energy-shot-drink

Hitesh Vyas is indeed a dirty unscrupulous money-grabbibg slimeball.

Elysium

15th August 2009, 14:14

Yeah I mean sure you have a business to run but you'd think common sense would come into situations like that where school kids want to buy energy drink shots.

Number One

15th August 2009, 16:45

They ARE very addictive. I am currently trying to kick the habit...not very successfully I might add but at least the thought is there and I have admitted I have a problem - this is apparently the first step to recovery ;)

Number One

15th August 2009, 16:46

http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/2754833/Girl-15-collapses-after-energy-shot-drink
Wahoo let's hear it for the HUTT! Go Heretaunga college pupils - keep up the good work folks :niceone:

Harvd

15th August 2009, 22:12

Hate to let facts get in the way of a good story, fortunately though the above hardly rates as a goos story. Diet Coke wasn't introduced until independence day 1982 therefore being to young to be drafted to nam.

Oh im always so gullable, or i got it wrong and it was just coke?

Either way the man aint no hillbilly but he doesnt have a lot of teeth either hahha

James Deuce

15th August 2009, 23:04

Thank you, come again.

Street Gerbil

16th August 2009, 18:04

A good part of addiction is a psychological component.
At my old place of work, I was replacing all coffee beens with decaf for two weeks for fun and no one noticed. Then another dude took over my kitchen duty and... (you can imagine the rest).

James Deuce

16th August 2009, 18:44

Someone tried that on me once. So I dropped the budget for staff tea and coffee.

Conquiztador

20th August 2009, 08:59

After close to two weeks w/o V (and considering that it has been a many years habit) I feel 100% better when waking up in the mornings. No "hangover" feeling, no "shit, another bloody day". And as dropping V from my life is the only difference, it is the only thing I can put this down to!