Kicking a redbull addiction

Mrs_Imp

OP, as you've said that water is a no, whatever you choose is going to be bad for your teeth. In which case, go for whatever is most likely to help you succeed. Just remember that you are using it as an aid to quit your addiction, rather than a substitute to your addiction. If you use it as a substitute, then you are likely to end up with another addiction instead. A friend of mine used gum as a cigarette substitute. Now she's a chain chewer, and if she runs out of gum she'll use a cigarette to see her through till she can get to the shop!

Some flavours can take a few goes to get used to. I had to cut out caffeine completely as I'd developed an intolerance to it. At first I could't stand drinking hot water or herbal teas, but after a few goes I found them quite refreshing (I still miss having a nice cuppa though!).

Good luck, and let us know how you're getting on.

echo_and_narcissus

I kicked a long-term caffeine habit a couple of months ago. I was hooked on caffeinated drinks, mainly stuff like Lucozade and Dr.Pepper as well as the odd Pepsi.

I stopped because the amount of caffeine I was having was causing me to suffer heightened anxiety and consequently full-blown panic attacks which scared the life out of me. I really thought I was having heart attacks and was going to die.

I stopped cold-turkey after one evening when I had a severe panic attack whilst putting my young kids to bed. Luckily my husband was at home to take over, but the thought of that happening whilst I was on my own with the kids was enough impetus to stop.

I wasn't doing too badly - a couple of minor headaches - until the third day, when I felt horribly nauseous and tired and anxious, a bit like you do when you're coming down with a bad cold or even the flu. I rode it out and haven't touched the stuff since apart from an accidental cuppa a couple of times made by hubs but it wasn't a problem.

I have substituted decaf tea (no sugar) and bottled water. The decaf tea helps with the "routine" aspect of having a caffeinated drink- by that I mean I would use caffeine for a boost mid-morning so I have a decaf tea instead. Going out and about I will carry bottled water instead of popping by the shop for some fizzy pop.

piglet25

After reading this thread I have realised that I am a caffeine addict too, I drink an amazing and bladder bursting 25-35 cups of tea a day. I finish one while waiting for the kettle to boil to make another, I am going to cut down. Going to try fruit juices and water, no wonder I am so ratty!

InaPickle

That's a point...you are trying to boot both a caffeine and a sugar addiction at the same time. Any chance you could try drinking the sugar free version while you are cutting down to give yourself a headstart? I'm a shocker with coke but have gone without for several day so it can be done!

Best of luck and keep us posted!

Kathy535

When I gave up (caffeinated) coffee I did it gradually having suffered with withdrawal symptoms before. I had 3/4 tsp of 'proper' coffee with 1/4 decaf for two days, then half and half, then 3/4 decaf and then only one partial 'proper' coffee a day for two days. I then cut it out altogether. It was fairly easy with no headaches or shakes. Now all I need to do is cut out sugar, alcohol, fats, chemicals and sitting around and I'll be perfect!

saintly_2

Will be thinkin of you tomorrow and sympathising. Day 1 of my big lucozade cut back. 6 bottles a day down to 1, it costs me, £3 a day. No more midnight dashes to 24 hour shop for my fix.

Good luck hunni

skintandscared_2

Only 2 cans today. 1 this morning and 1 this evening. I will do that for a week or so then drop to 1.

Bit of a headache but it went when I had this evening's can.

Oh, and I had a cup of tea today! It actually wasn't that bad...

InaPickle

skintandscared wrote: »

Only 2 cans today. 1 this morning and 1 this evening. I will do that for a week or so then drop to 1.

Bit of a headache but it went when I had this evening's can.

Oh, and I had a cup of tea today! It actually wasn't that bad...

Well done! Try to have the sugar-free version and you may notice even more of a difference! :T

skintandscared_2

Quick update .... well I'm still on 2 cans of the sugar-free redbull (1 first thing and 1 in the early evening) BUT I have cut out the diet coke during the day completely.

I am completely shocked at what I have replaced it with, but a friend at work persuaded me to try green tea with jasmine, of all things, and I actually like it!!

So I've gone from never drinking hot drinks, to drinking about 5 cups of green tea a day.

Having a few slight headaches but have only taken 1 paracetamol per day and that's sorted those out.

Nervous about cutting out the last 2 redbulls though! :eek:

universalady_2

Well done, next step, perhaps the next step would be to have just 1 can a day, but 1/2 in the morning, and half in the evening?