Does coffee affect you?

[Manfred Belheim]

Go on then, I'll start a non-political thread.

Does coffee affect you, and if so, what is the effect and how strong is it? I have a vague memory of reading somewhere once that there is a certain percentage of people it doesn't affect at all, for some physical/chemical reason that I can't remember, but maybe I just imagined it.

I ask because I don't think I've ever noticed any effect from coffee at all, either in perking me up or in keeping me awake if I have it late at night. Also I understand it's somewhat addictive, or at least people get used to the effects, Yet I've got into the habit of having 3-5 coffees at work every day just for something to do, but then when I'm at home I don't have coffee at all or even think of having it.

When people talk about not being able to function in the morning until they've had coffee, or any of the other usual things people say about coffee... obviously I "get" it, but none of it ever resonates with anything I've experienced. Do people exaggerate the effects because it's just recognisable banter? I have no idea. I suppose I should add some sort of poll...

 

[Fippy]

I don't drink it, but several friends & relatives (including my parents) tell me exactly what you wrote..
They need their morning coffee. And usually another midday.

Spoiler Caffeine effects :

What is caffeine?​

Caffeine is a type of drug called a stimulant, meaning it increases chemicals in your brain called neurotransmitters. This excites or motivates your central nervous system, the processing center that regulates everything your body does.

A little bit of caffeine can help you feel more alert, awake and focused. But too much of it can cause side effects, from jitteriness and stomach issues to heart palpitations and beyond.

So it makes sense i guess, no coffee no focus after waking up if you are used to caffeine. Especially cos there are also reactions that cause an increase in good mood.

 

[NovaKart]

It just makes me have to pee a lot. I really like the taste but I can’t have more than at most 3 cups. I certainly couldn’t have 5 in an 8 hour period or I would be on the toilet all day.

 

[PhroX]

It has the very tangible effect of making me retch violently at the taste.

 

[Ordnael]

It just makes me have to pee a lot. I really like the taste but I can’t have more than at most 3 cups. I certainly couldn’t have 5 in an 8 hour period or I would be on the toilet all day.

I more of a number 2 kinda guy when under the effect of coffee...unless it's end of the day and I'm "empty".

It has the very tangible effect of making me retch violently at the taste.

Man I am quite the opposite! I love the smell and I like the taste...my guts just don't agree much including my heart.

I very rarely, almost never, drink pure coffee though, not only it messes with my heart a bit it totally ruins my sleep.
I love me some bread and butter with ham accompanied by an almond or soy or hazelnut "milk" cup with an expresso shot in it, regular or decaf. Perfect breakfast.

 

[Birdjaguar]

I drink a mug of it every morning and when I don't, i do notice that I haven't had it. Coffee in the morning is my normal. Skipping it can produce a caffeine headache. It is the price one pays for addiction. When I lived in NC, I drank iced tea at lunch for my caffeine fix.

 

[Gori the Grey]

Exactly what Bird says. One cup with breakfast (occasionally a second later in the day if I'm dragging). Can get a headache if I skip it.

One more thing. My morning cup helps induce my morning poop. I.e. it plays a role in my digestive regularity.

There! That'll make you sorry you started a non-political thread!

 

[EnglishEdward]

Answer = Yes

Without coffee, my brain operates like an over heating Terry Pratchett troll.

 

[Akka]

I love coffee and drink quite a lot of it. Morning coffee or post-work one or post-meal ones are just exquisite to enjoy.
When I was younger, I thought it didn't affect me at all, but I did notice I slept better and more quickly when I stopped drinking any after a few days, so, well, it does.
It's still a pretty mild effect (I can drink one after 22h and still have a normal night, and I can skip drinking coffee overall rather easily, though I do miss it).

 

[Broken_Erika]

Me no function coffee well without.

 

[Qactus]

For most people, when they drink coffee they cannot sleep.
For me, it's the complete opposite: when I sleep, I cannot drink coffee

 

[GoodEnoughForMe]

No, me and some friends ran an experiment a couple years ago where I consumed a triple shot starbucks and then a 5 hour energy in like 15 minutes, and I was in bed like 90 minutes later. I do not have ADHD.

I have coffee maybe once a week when I am in the mood otherwise.

 

[Senethro]

No, me and some friends ran an experiment a couple years ago where I consumed a triple shot starbucks and then a 5 hour energy in like 15 minutes, and I was in bed like 90 minutes later. I do not have ADHD.

I have coffee maybe once a week when I am in the mood otherwise.

An oddly specific denial!

I take it you're aware then of many ADHD people reporting an alternative stimulant response?

 

[SemiLazyGamer]

I don't drink coffee, never have liked the taste, but I have been drinking soda at work to give me a kick all throughout the day. Does that count?

 

[GoodEnoughForMe]

An oddly specific denial!

I take it you're aware then of many ADHD people reporting an alternative stimulant response?

It’s mostly because I have had literally 6-7 people immediately say “you probably have ADHD” when I tell them caffeine doesn’t affect me. My partner who does have ADHD also doesn’t have it affect them.

But we also know someone with ADHD who it kind of does what medication does in a way. Like it helps then focus.

Drugs are weird.

 

[Senethro]

It’s mostly because I have had literally 6-7 people immediately say “you probably have ADHD” when I tell them caffeine doesn’t affect me. My partner who does have ADHD also doesn’t have it affect them.

But we also know someone with ADHD who it kind of does what medication does in a way. Like it helps then focus.

Drugs are weird.

3 days after starting medication I went from 8 coffees a day to a single homeopathic coffee in the morning. Clearly something was going on. More anecdata for the pile.

 

[Samson]

The main effect is in stopping the caffeine withdrawal headache. I have experienced the withdrawal effects of a few drugs, and caffeine is the most physical.

I do not feel drowsy or unable to function without it, and if I go a few days without it the headache goes away. I really like the flavour though, so I do not tend to go too long without it.

 

[Ordnael]

I went from 8 coffees a day

You were speed!
American type coffee or proper southern Europe espresso?

 

[Senethro]

You were speed!
American type coffee or proper southern Europe espresso?

Cheap garbage American style coffee bought in bulk when on sale. I've still not used up my supply since that time. I had very little care for the experience or the product.

And no, I was not fast. It just allowed me to better maintain or redirect focus in adverse environments.

 

[Thorgalaeg]

Coffee doesn't affect me. Alcohol usually not that much either, only beer and champagne. Maybe it is the bubbles?