Hi all, I was reading about Diet Coke (and all soft drinks that contain caffeine) and how they have a way of aging the skin and making us feel all wired at first, and then down in the dumps afterwards. I honestly don't know how or why I got so addicted to Diet Coke. I remember drinking it a lot in high school, with minimal side effects. But lately, I've noticed that is had been causing me to be shaky, extra-nervous (DUH - it's loaded with caffeine!)...and even saw some changes in my face. It's hard to explain, but it was sort of making my face appear tired all the time...and maybe even a little bloated...and old (?) So I've switched over to Dasani water with ice cubes and little slices of lemon and lime. I'm going on 3 days now. First I need to tell you just how much Diet Coke I was drinking. I would order one from McDonald's or something in the late afternoon, and then I'd still make sure to go to 7-11 and get a Big Gulp so it could last me through the night, and I'd just keep refilling it as I'd drink it with more ice cubes at home and bottles of Diet Coke, (half caffeine-free, half regular.) So I don't know exactly how much Diet Coke I was actually drinking, but I can tell you it was A LOT. Now, WHY would a girl with anxiety choose something with so much caffeine in it, and not only that, get strongly addicted to it? I have no clue. It doesn't even make sense. Anyway, I still have a few sips of it around late-lunch, but after that, NONE. I thought it would be easy, but for the last two nights I've had a blinding headache and all I felt like doing was sleeping. It finally dawned on me that I was probably going through some sort of withdrawal from the Diet Coke. I didn't even think it would be that big of a deal, but it was. But that's okay, tonight was much better. And MY NERVES are much better too. I do still feel a little sleepy, but I know that's only because the D.C. was probably keeping me wired 24/7. I know I made the right choice, just need to get used to drinking water. (Which by the way, is supposed to do wonders for your skin, making you look and feel a lot younger.) And if you're wondering why I posted this in "Therapy," it's because I believe it's very therapeutic to try and remove the things in your life that are causing anxiety and other mental problems. It's a form of natural therapy. Have you ever given something up that you were addicted to, even something as simple as Diet Coke? Was it worth it....and did you feel much better once you got through the beginning rough patch?
Hi Natasha!! I did the same thing years ago. Just like you, I used to drink on the school, but when you are that young , really nothing affects you. But it's a start. Before 30's you will notice the first changes of your bad habits. And I cant tell you when you are close to 40's ... So to "fool" my mind I remember I change to some dark beverage , similar to Dasani. And it works. Then I change to free sugar beverages , kind of natural . I prepared 2 liters of tonic water with strawberries, with raspberries , mint etc. Eventually I add a little Gin , when Im in the mood. I hope it works for you too. Let me know!
Ah. Caffeine. The sneaky drug. I feel for you. Caffeine is a heck of a drug. If you can experience such uncomfortable withdraw symptoms. .. . That's why I have tried unsuccessfully many times to kick caffeine. Haven't yet. I think I might be addicted. I truly feel as though I can't live without it.
I drink way too much soda. I get cravings if I go too long. I try to balance it out with milk, but I probably don't do a very good job. I've gone a few days without soda here and there, but then it comes back with a vengeance. I also really don't like the taste of Diet Coke.
Hi @Natasha0717, I also gave up soda awhile back. My choice was Pepsi. Back then that's the first thing I would grab like it was my coffee, I had to have it. I know I was going through withdrawal not having it, so I weaned myself down from drinking it. Finally I gave it up completely with success.
