Is Caffeine a Drug?

Caffeine is a drug that stimulates (increases the activity of) your brain and nervous system. Caffeine is found in many drinks such as coffee, tea, soft drinks and energy drinks.

Is caffeine a real addiction?

But is caffeine truly addictive? The world's caffeine obsession can be described as a “dependency” (because when you have less of it, you go through a mild “withdrawal,” with the symptoms listed above), but it is not an addiction. It is true that—like many drugs—caffeine enhances dopamine signaling in the brain.

How is caffeine used as a drug?

Caffeine is most commonly used to improve mental alertness, but it has many other uses. Caffeine is used by mouth or rectally in combination with painkillers (such as aspirin and acetaminophen) and a chemical called ergotamine for treating migraine headaches.