The Dangers of Caffeine and Nicotine in Recovery

Many of us have vices, and these vices may not reach the levels of severity as alcohol use disorder (AUD) and substance use disorder (SUD). These are vices like the use of caffeine and nicotine. Many people in recovery end up habitually using caffeine and nicotine, and while their dangers may not be immediately apparent, over time, they can become much more pronounced. The good news is that caffeine and nicotine do not need to be replacement addictions. With the right means, methods, and modalities, the craving for caffeine and nicotine can be eliminated for good.

How to Heal at the Cellular Level

Ultimately, what does it mean to heal at the cellular level? It means to heal all aspects of the capital “S” Self – the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual. This is holistic healing (holistic meaning “whole”). Healing at the cellular level is also about getting to the underlying issues of one’s addiction, rather than just focusing on the surface-level issues. As many “old timers” in recovery say, “It is much more about the thinking than it is about the drinking.” 

However, healing at the cellular level doesn’t just happen. It takes a lot of work and a lot of focus. The good news is that, here at Exclusive Hawaii Rehab, we have the tools necessary to help one recover in the long term. 

Now, the fact of the matter is that the recovery industry is now worth billions of dollars. While this is positive in that there are more means for people to recover, there are also many bad actors who are no longer looking out for their clients. These treatment centers are more concerned about their financial bottom line than they are about their clients’ well-being. Many of these places even have a skewed concept of what addiction is. These tend to be the same recovery centers that only offer overarching “one-note” treatment plans.

The Importance of Individualized and Comprehensive Addiction Care

Here at Exclusive Hawaii Rehab, we find that this type of “one-size-fits-all” recovery rarely works. This is why we focus on every client individually. Now, this happens right from the beginning with a comprehensive intake process that focuses on one’s background information, family and occupational dynamics, and goals for the future. This is also when we determine which modalities may work best for recovery. We use these modalities under the multi-angled approach.

The multi-angled approach is a focus on comprehensive recovery. This means using as many effective means, methods, and modalities as possible. It also means getting at the underlying root/core causes of one’s addiction. Often, these causes begin when one is young, and they may involve some type of trauma.

Getting to the Underlying Root/Core Causes of Addiction

While there is never a definitive answer, there are many known causes of addiction. According to the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, “Adolescent substance-related attitudes and use patterns have evolved over time, informed by adult and peer behaviors, public policy, media messaging, substance availability, and other variables…. Adolescence is a critical developmental phase involving significant physical, cognitive, emotional, social, and behavioral changes. The neurobiological alterations underlying these complex developmental processes may predispose adolescents to initiate substance use, to develop substance use disorders, and to experience potentially serious and long-lasting substance-related adverse consequences.”

These issues that are developed during youth will often lead to issues as an individual grows older. This is true whether these issues are overt or end up lying dormant and under the surface. The important thing to remember is that what happens when one is younger can greatly affect how one acts later in life. This is especially true when it comes to individuals who struggle with an addiction.

Better Understanding Addiction

Many people don’t realize just how prevalent addiction is both in the U.S. and abroad. It affects millions of people every day. Unfortunately, many of these people will not receive the help that they need. This is especially true for people with co-occurring disorders. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), “Not everyone with co-occurring conditions gets the treatment they need: 52.5% of those with co-occurring conditions received neither mental health care nor substance use treatment. 34.5% of those with co-occurring conditions received mental health care only [and] “3.9% of those with co-occurring conditions received substance use treatment only.”

Many people are also under the misconception that addiction is some type of moral failing or “choice.” This is a fallacy. Addiction is a chronic disease. Most addiction specialists and recovery professionals (including medical professionals) agree that addiction has more in common with other chronic diseases like cancer, diabetes, and heart disease than it does with a disease. 

Also, addiction is not just a disease, but it is also a “family disease.” This is because it affects the entire family and not just the individual who is struggling. It is often said that addiction is like a “tornado that destroys everyone and everything in its path,” especially the family (and close friends). However, the family is also uniquely qualified, due to connection and proximity, to get their loved one the help that they need. But, they must first be able to spot the signs and symptoms of addiction (and co-occurring disorders).

The Signs and Symptoms of Addiction

Of course, the signs and symptoms of addiction are always going to vary based on the individual. However, one can look out for many universal signs and symptoms. The following are just a few:

• Having trouble with sleep cycles, including sleeping too much and not sleeping enough
• Experiencing physical ailments such as headaches, body aches, and gastrointestinal problems (like constipation)
• Feeling anxious, nervous, or overly “stressed out”
• Isolating away from family and close friends
• Experiencing trouble at work or school
• Not being able to stop drinking or using once started
• Losing interest in activities once enjoyed
• Having feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, and helplessness
• Loss of appetite and a lack of care regarding physical appearance and well-being
• Exhibiting excessive mood swings
• Causing harm to oneself or others
• Having suicidal ideations

Now, people can often minimize addiction or even falsely categorize it as that previously mentioned “choice.” However, as one can see, these signs and symptoms are significant and can be deadly. This is why reaching out for professional help sooner rather than later is critical. Doing so could mean the difference between short-term side effects and long-term consequences.

The Dangers of Replacing One Addiction With Another

Many people find themselves recovering from one addiction, only to end up replacing it with another. This is also known as “cross-addiction.” Cross-addiction often involves replacing a substance addiction with a behavioral one. This may mean replacing substance use disorder (SUD) with a sex addiction, for example. The reality is that it can be very easy to replace substances with behaviors because both types of addiction are as much about mental and emotional factors as they are about physical ones.

According to the International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction, “Over the past 30 years, research in a variety of addictive behaviors including the abuse of alcohol, drugs, gambling, smoking, videogames, social media use, shopping, exercise, internet, pornography, and sex has increased. This has expanded the knowledge considering the prevalence and risk factors of different addictive behaviours, the similarities between substance and behavioural (i.e. non-substance related) addictions, and the impact of these addictive behaviours on individuals (e.g. reduced well-being and functioning) as well as on their family and friends (e.g. increased stress and anxiety.” 

Cross-addiction can also happen with caffeine and nicotine. It can be very easy to replace one more “severe” substance, like alcohol or cocaine, with one that seems more innocuous, like caffeine or nicotine. However, as one can see, caffeine and nicotine can also be very dangerous.

The Dangers of Caffeine and Nicotine

Many people don’t realize that caffeine can actually have severe adverse effects. According to the peer-reviewed thesis Caffeine, by Doctors Evans, Richards, and Battisti, “Severe adverse effects may include disorientation, hallucinations, psychosis, seizures, arrhythmias, ischemia, and rhabdomyolysis. Additionally, caffeine can lead to withdrawal symptoms if habitual users abruptly cease consumption. These symptoms typically begin 12 to 24 hours after the last intake, peak in 1 to 2 days, and may endure for up to 1 week.” Nicotine can certainly have significantly more adverse effects.

Most people know that smoking tobacco and chewing tobacco are highly dangerous. This is because the toxic ingredients that are chewed or inhaled can lead to cancer. However, many people are now ingesting nicotine in different ways, such as via vaping or chewing nicotine pouches or gum. Yet, this is not entirely safe either because nicotine itself can have many adverse effects. 

According to the Indian Journal of Medical and Paediatric Oncology, “Nicotine adversely affects many organs as shown in human and animal studies. Its biological effects are widespread and extend to all systems of the body, including cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, and reproductive systems. Nicotine has also been found to be carcinogenic in several studies.” The good news is that there are many effective treatments that can help one before they start using caffeine and nicotine, as well as after they may have started. This includes nature-based experiential therapies. 

Utilizing Nature for Recovery

There are many types of therapies that focus on a more natural approach. This includes nature-based therapies like nature immersion therapy. Nature has been shown to have many positive effects. According to the U.S. National Park Service, “Being in nature can boost your mood and improve your mental health. Researchers at Stanford University found that spending time outdoors reduces stress, calms anxiety, and can lead to a lower risk of depression. When you spend time in nature, you can slow down and use your senses, taking in the sights, smells, and feelings around you.”

Nature immersion also offers many other benefits, like reduced stress, increased positivity, and a greater sense of well-being. There is also no better place to experience this nature than on the Hamakua Coast of Hawaii’s Big Island, where there are amazing waterfalls, beautiful beaches, and outstanding overlooks (there is even a live volcano).

Utilizing Psychotherapy for Recovery

Psychotherapy can be particularly effective because it allows an individual to get more in touch with their underlying cognitions (thoughts) and emotions (feelings). For an individual with an addiction (either illicit or with caffeine or nicotine), these thoughts and feelings are quite often negative (both inwardly and outwardly). On highly effective psychotherapy is trauma-informed therapy.

Trauma-informed therapy is highly effective because many people struggle with trauma and don’t even realize it (just like that childhood trauma previously mentioned). According to SAMHSA, “Many individuals experience trauma during their lifetimes. Although many people exposed to trauma demonstrate few or no lingering symptoms, those individuals who have experienced repeated, chronic, or multiple traumas are more likely to exhibit pronounced symptoms and consequences, including substance abuse, mental illness, and health problems. Subsequently, trauma can significantly affect how an individual engages in major life areas as well as treatment.”

Trauma-informed therapy also works very well with other types of modalities. This is especially true with recovery meetings and group therapies, where individuals learn to utilize the help of others.

Working With and Utilizing the Help of Others for Recovery

It is important to remember that addiction recovery is a team effort. This is why working with others is so important when it comes to long-term success. The good news is that there are many ways for people to connect with each other to help both parties stay sober.

Perhaps the most popular (and successful) way that people in recovery meet and work together is via recovery meetings. These may be secular recovery meetings or religious/spiritual recovery meetings (both are offered via 12-Step recovery programs). It can also be very helpful to connect to other people in recovery via group therapy.

Group therapy is an ideal way for people to both recover and build a sober network that they can rely upon when times in recovery may get triggering. This is especially true post-COVID-19 pandemic. According to the peer-reviewed journal Research in Psychotherapy: Psychopathology, Process, and Outcome, “In addition to effectiveness in reducing symptoms, group [therapy] offers members a sense of belonging, purpose, hope, altruism, and meaning throughout treatment. These additional outcomes are especially important considering the COVID-19 pandemic and national/international conflicts, given the trauma, disruptions, and losses people have experienced. Applying recent developments in positive psychology to group therapy can enhance treatment.” Holistic healing methods can also be beneficial for staying away from caffeine and nicotine.

Utilizing Holistic Healing Methods for Recovery

Holistic healing methods like yoga and meditation have existed for thousands of years. Originally, they were solely utilized as religious and/or spiritual practices, but they have since moved into many other areas. This includes the realm of recovery.

The renowned Buddhist monk and spiritual leader Thich Nhat Hanh famously said, “Meditation can help us embrace our worries, our fear, our anger; and that is very healing. We let our own natural capacity of healing do the work.” This is symbolic of how meditation can help one recover from an addiction. Meditation also offers many other benefits.

According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), “Meditation and mindfulness practices may have a variety of health benefits and may help people improve the quality of their lives. Recent studies have investigated whether meditation or mindfulness helps people manage anxiety, stress, depression, pain, or symptoms related to withdrawal from nicotine, alcohol, or opioids. Other studies have looked at the effects of meditation or mindfulness on weight control or sleep quality.” The key is to find the right modalities that can replace toxic vices like caffeine and nicotine.

Healing at the Cellular Level With Exclusive Hawaii Rehab

Here at Exclusive Hawaii Rehab, we believe in healing at the cellular level. That is why all of our recovery plans are individualized and comprehensive with a focus on the future. This includes a future that is free from toxic “habits” like caffeine and nicotine.

If you are sick and tired of being sick and tired, then we are here to help. Recovery is waiting here on the Big Island of Hawaii. You can do this! We can help.

Many people end up using caffeine and nicotine excessively in early recovery. While these substances may seem harmless, they can have many adverse physical, mental, and emotional side effects. The good news is that there are many effective modalities that can help one to avoid these dangerous “habits” in recovery. If you feel like you or a loved one is struggling with issues of addiction, mental illness, or both, we can help get you on the positive path toward long-term recovery right away. You don’t have to go through this process alone. For more information about avoiding replacing one addiction with another, please reach out to Exclusive Hawaii Rehab today at (808) 775-0200.