Caffeine addiction-are we making our children sugar and caffeine addicts

Caffeine addiction

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Caffeinism
Classification and external resources
ICD-10	F15

Caffeine is a commonplace central nervous system stimulant drug which occurs in nature as part of the coffee, tea, yerba mate and some other plants. It is also an additive in many consumer products, most notably beverages advertised as energy drinks. Caffeine is also added to sodas such as Coca-Cola and Pepsi, where on the ingredients listing, it is designated as a flavoring agent.
Caffeine's mechanism of action is somewhat different from that of many other addictive drugs, such as cocaine or the amphetamines. Caffeine antagonizes, or blocks, adenosine receptors. Adenosine is a by-product of cellular activity, and the adenosine receptors play a role in producing feelings of tiredness and the need to sleep. Caffeine's ability to block these receptors means the levels of the body's natural stimulants, dopamine and norepinephrine continue at higher levels. While the drug is active, adenosine site antagonization increases, as do levels of neurotransmitters.