Originally a chemical substance naturally found in various plants, with coffee being the primary source.

It is believed that coffee was discovered in the region of Kaffa, Ethiopia, where people noticed the stimulating effects of coffee beans on animals that consumed them. From there, coffee consumption spread to the Arabian Peninsula, where it was cultivated and its properties were explored more extensively. Coffee became a significant part of Arab culture and eventually spread to other parts of the world through trade and caravan routes.

Coffee was initially introduced to Europe via Venice and rapidly spread to other parts of the continent. Coffeehouses became popular places for intellectual and social discussions, contributing to the dissemination of the drink. Coffee arrived in North America primarily through European colonies. The beverage was brought to the continent by European colonizers, initially to the Caribbean colonies and eventually to the colonies in North America. The first records of coffee in the American colonies date back to the 17th century.

Coffee consumption in North America gradually increased throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, with the opening of coffeehouses and the establishment of coffee shops. During the American Revolutionary War, when tea, a popular beverage at the time, became scarce due to the British blockade, coffee consumption in North America rose even further. Over time, coffee became a staple beverage in American culture, both at home and away. Today, the United States is one of the largest consumers of coffee in the world.

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in anxiety symptoms in individuals, particularly related to excessive use of social media, poor routine management, workplace pressures, and inadequate eating habits. In this context, caffeine emerges as a factor that can exacerbate these poor habits, contributing to the physical and emotional strain of individuals. The complex interaction between caffeine consumption and various daily stressors has garnered growing interest in the scientific community, which seeks to understand how this substance can influence people’s mental and emotional health. Studies have highlighted the need for an integrated approach that considers not only caffeine consumption but also other lifestyle aspects that may contribute to the development of anxiety symptoms. Understanding these interactions is crucial for promoting effective prevention and intervention strategies in managing anxiety related to caffeine use and other daily stressors.

Several scientific studies have shown that excessive caffeine consumption can provoke a range of adverse effects on the central nervous system. High intake of this substance is associated with the development of acute symptoms, such as anxiety, insomnia, and nervousness. These effects are often accompanied by headaches and a significant increase in heart rate. Chronic exposure to high levels of caffeine has been correlated with the manifestation of long-term cardiovascular problems, including high blood pressure. Moreover, continuous and excessive use of caffeine can contribute to the onset of chronic sleep disorders, which have a considerable negative impact on both the mental and physical health of affected individuals.

Another relevant aspect is the potential for developing dependence associated with caffeine consumption. Dependence is characterized by a range of withdrawal symptoms that occur when there is a sudden reduction in substance intake. Commonly reported withdrawal symptoms include headaches, irritability, and fatigue, which can substantially compromise individuals’ quality of life.

Caffeine, although often considered a common and widely accepted substance in society, possesses characteristics that resemble psychoactive substances classified as drugs. As a potent central nervous system stimulant, caffeine exerts significant neuromodulatory effects that can alter alertness, cognitive capacity, and cardiovascular function. The physiology of caffeine reveals its ability to antagonize adenosine receptors in the brain, promoting an increase in the release of excitatory neurotransmitters such as dopamine and norepinephrine. This mechanism is responsible for its stimulating effects, which can include increased alertness and cognitive performance, but may also result in adverse effects such as anxiety, insomnia, and withdrawal symptoms.

Despite its potential adverse effects and associated dependence profile, caffeine continues to be widely accepted and promoted in society. This acceptance can be attributed to a combination of cultural and social factors. Caffeine consumption is deeply rooted in various traditions and social practices, such as the coffee ritual in many countries and the use of caffeinated beverages as part of everyday work and social life.

Furthermore, the market for caffeinated beverages is vast and includes not only coffees and teas but also a wide range of energy drinks that publicly promote benefits related to productivity and performance. The normalization of caffeine consumption is often reinforced by a perception of lower risk compared to other psychoactive substances, despite the risks associated with its excessive intake.

The paradox lies in the convergence between the public perception of caffeine as a harmless substance and its potentially harmful effects when consumed in large quantities. Social acceptance and institutional support for caffeine consumption contrast with the need for greater awareness of the risks associated with excessive use and the consequences for public health.