Caffeine craze: Are students dependent on quick energy?

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Whether it’s early in the morning or late afternoon, it’s uncommon to walk into a class and not see at least one or two students gulping down some sort of caffeinated beverage.

As a student body, we may not think anything of this common caffeine consumption because we’ve been so desensitized to it. If anyone truly scans out his or her classrooms, hallways or the library, it’s noticeable how many students pump in the caffeine.

Rebecca Holgreen of Student Health Services says, “A lot of clients that come in for various reasons are dependent on caffeine, whether it’s a soft drink or energy drink.”

“I drink coffee or Mountain Dew every day about four hours into my day to ‘revamp’ for the rest of the day,” said freshman Adam Price, a Digital Media major. “If I don’t drink something that’s caffeinated, I’ll take an Excedrin for the caffeine boost.”

This may have something to do with the easy accessibility on campus. Whether you’re at the student center grabbing a quick snack at Scoops or at the Sushi Bar, it’s there. Then go to the vending machines across campus. Not only are your typical soft drinks available, but also energy drinks as well – and for cheaper prices. Then there’s the library’s Bytes & Brew with quick espresso.

In light of its easy and affordable accessibility on campus, it makes sense why students resort to caffeine. The main reasons for turning to caffeine of any sort for a college student are usually due to the lack of discipline to get the sleep they need, poor time management, which promotes late-night cramming, and a lack of concentration within the classroom.

“Whenever I don’t get all of my work done and end up cramming late at night, I always resort to my Rockstar,” said Firefighting major Zack Erickson.

Although many students often won’t admit to being dependent on caffeine, studies show that several students suffer from symptoms of withdrawal.

“If a student has a headache, can’t stay awake or focused without their daily drink,” Holgreen said, “they are most likely addicted.”

Being in college, all students are going to have late nights studying and difficult times staying awake in a lecture, but caffeine doesn’t have to be what puts an extra boost of energy into a student’s day.

“Getting adequate sleep,” Holgreen said, “which is seven to eight hours of sleep each night, and making sure students consume nutrient-dense foods are healthy alternatives to caffeine.”

Aside from replenishing sleep and food, something as simple as a Jamba Juice with a free energy boost can be just enough for that extra needed energy.

With caffeine consumption being a common trend on campus, there is nothing wrong with the it as long as students are not becoming dependent on it. There are other ways to get a healthy energy boost, such as nutritious diet and some Jamba.

Everything is fine in moderation, but when students develop addictive tendencies towards the substance, problems may develop.