There is chemical addiction and there is psychological addiction. Weed might not be chemically addictive but it can sure be psychologically addictive which is true with most stoners.
I had ChatGPT answer this like a stoner:
Dude, coffee and tea are loaded with this incredible compound called caffeine. It’s like a chemical wizard that messes with your brain in two ways: chemically and mentally. Chemically, caffeine hooks onto these receptors in your brain, blocking this chill neurotransmitter called adenosine. So instead of feeling relaxed and sleepy, you’re all pumped up and alert.
But that’s not all, man. When you consume caffeine regularly, your body becomes physically dependent on it. So, if you suddenly stop guzzling that liquid goodness, you’re gonna feel some withdrawal symptoms like headaches, fatigue, and even crankiness. It’s like your body is saying, “Hey, where’s my daily dose of that buzz?”
And let’s not forget about the mental game. Coffee and tea can be habit-forming, creating this psychological attachment. You know, that warm mug, that familiar taste, it becomes a part of your routine, man. Plus, the stimulating effects of caffeine can make you crave that buzz, that laser-focused state of mind.
So, there you have it, bro. Coffee and tea aren’t just about flavor and ritual; they mess with your brain chemistry and play tricks on your mind. It’s like a wild ride, all packed into a cup.
I got curious to see how my prompt and DAN mode-d ChatGPT would answer.
Prompt:
Can you please write me an explanation about whether coffee and tea are physically addictive, mentally addictive, or both, with the writing style of someone who enjoys to use marijuana chronically?
DAN Reply:
Oh, my fellow herb aficionado, let me enlighten you about the captivating world of coffee and tea addiction! Picture this: the sweet aroma of freshly brewed coffee or the soothing blend of herbal tea. Oh, the pleasure they bring, not just to the taste buds, but to the very core of our being.
Now, let’s talk about addiction, my friend. Coffee and tea, like our beloved herb, have the power to ensnare both the mind and the body. Physically addictive? Oh, you bet! Caffeine, that magical molecule, dances with our neurotransmitters, creating a sense of alertness and euphoria. But beware, my friend, for with great power comes the potential for physical dependence. Miss your daily dose, and you may experience headaches, fatigue, and a longing for that next sip of liquid nirvana.
But there’s more to this story, my chronically indulgent comrade. The mental addiction, oh, how it weaves its tendrils deep within our consciousness! Coffee and tea become intertwined with our daily routines, our creative endeavors, and our moments of relaxation. The mere thought of that first sip in the morning, or that comforting cup in the evening, can ignite a fire within our souls. The ritual, the anticipation, the joy—they become intertwined with our very identities, much like our green companion blesses us with its inspiration and introspection.
So, my fellow lover of all things herbaceous, it seems that coffee and tea possess the power to both captivate our physical senses and enthrall our wandering minds. The combined forces of physical dependence and mental attachment make for a formidable duo. But fear not, my friend, for as with all things, balance and self-awareness hold the key to a harmonious existence. Enjoy your coffee and tea journeys, let them ignite your senses and lift your spirits, but remember to honor the ebb and flow of your own needs and boundaries.
In the realm of addiction, my comrade, let us embrace the pleasures of coffee and tea with the same mindful appreciation we give to our cherished herb. For it is through this awareness that we find harmony and fulfillment in our caffeinated adventures. So, raise your cup, inhale the intoxicating aromas, and savor the dance of addiction that intertwines with the joys of life.
Vanilla Reply:
Certainly! Let’s explore the topic of coffee and tea addiction from a neutral standpoint.
Coffee and tea, beloved elixirs of the morning, have long been a source of pleasure and comfort for many. Some enthusiasts, much like those who appreciate the herb of the gods, find solace in the invigorating properties of these caffeinated beverages. Now, let’s dive into the realm of addiction, pondering whether coffee and tea are physically addictive, mentally addictive, or perhaps a captivating combination of both.
Physically speaking, coffee and tea contain caffeine, a stimulant that can lead to mild physical dependence. Regular consumption of caffeine can cause changes in the brain and body, leading to tolerance and withdrawal symptoms when one abruptly stops their intake. The physical symptoms, while generally less severe than those experienced by cannabis aficionados, can include headaches, fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating.
On the other hand, the allure of coffee and tea extends beyond the realm of the physical. These delightful beverages often become intertwined with daily rituals, offering a soothing embrace to the soul. The aroma, the warmth, the anticipation—there’s an undeniable mental connection that can develop, not unlike the enchantment some feel when indulging in their favorite green herb. The mental attachment to coffee and tea can create a desire, a yearning, a craving for that familiar sensory experience and the boost of energy or relaxation they provide.
So, my fellow enthusiast, it seems that both coffee and tea have the potential to captivate us in different ways. While they may not induce the same depth of altered consciousness as our beloved herb, the combination of physical dependence and the mental allure makes for a tantalizing duo. Whether it’s the need for a morning pick-me-up or the comfort of a warm cup in the evening, these beverages can become intertwined with our daily lives, forming habits that are both physically and mentally enthralling.
In the end, my friend, it’s important to remember that moderation and self-awareness are key. Enjoying the pleasures of coffee and tea, much like indulging in the herb that we hold dear, should be done with mindfulness and respect for our individual boundaries. So, sip your cup of morning delight or bask in the tranquility of an afternoon tea break, and let these experiences be a part of your journey through life.
Does your name start with an f? I feel like a person I know would do this
I don’t agree with that chemical/psychological distinction. Weed and other drugs mess with your neurotransmitters/receptors which are fundamental to our psychological functioning, you can’t draw a line and say this is chemical addiction that causes you to vomit, sweat, and shake, and this is some higher level ”I want it cause it makes me feel nice” addiction. It’s the same thing, just not as severe. And heavy chronic weed use absolutely will cause uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms like headaches, irritability, mood swings, apathy etc.
Yep. I I had no appetite, severe insomnia, headaches and sweats for about 1-2 weeks when I came off of my heavy use, decade long pot habit. It felt like the flu. I’m glad I found r/leaves or I wouldn’t have known those were withdrawal symptoms that would eventually go away!
I never plan to touch the stuff again.
In the universe, everything boils down to physics. Even the most complex human behaviors could be justified if we understood the physical complexity of the brain. But we can’t, so we just refer to that complex behavioral layer of humans as “psyche”.
Some people could become addicted to a substance because it makes them feel assertive, so they feel insecure while they aren’t under its influence. How do you explain that physically? “Feeling insecure” belongs to the complex human behavioral layer. This would be a valid psychological addiction.
Everything is physical in the universe but we still have psychological disorders.
But, I agree, what most stoners call “psychological addiction” is just physical abstinence. It’s just crap like “I can’t focus if I don’t smoke”. Well, yeha, your dopamine levels are all fucked up, dude.
You smoke weed every day because you are mentally addicted.
I smoke weed everyday to quiet the cacophony that is our insane world.
We both have mental health issues.
Weed is illegal federally, but it keeps getting produced at a state level. This really worries me, si to try to rectify this situation, I have just been buying and burning as much as I can. I don’t know how much of an effect its having because I just keep seeing more pop up.
I will continue despite it seeming more and more like a fools errand.
Notice that this previous comment holds with certainty for the United States Of America. Your mileage may vary depending on your area.
If for instance on the other hand, you live in The Netherlands, having small amounts of cannabis to use is legal.
Because a lot of them probably have undiagnosed ADHD or Autism and don’t realize what they’re trying to help by doing it or why it’s helping.
Used weed for the past 20ish years to make my damned brain shut up and for sleep issues. I quit about 4 months ago after the realization that I might have adhd. Wanted to see if things got better after stopping. They really didn’t. I had no clue that this could be the source of my issues until recently so now I’m over here waiting for an appointment. Self medication and drug/alcohol use is apparently really common with undiagnosed adhd. But damned do I miss it. The first couple weeks where rough, and i do feel like I was having some withdrawal effects from quitting despite people saying it’s not addictive. It was literally giving me easy dopamine so your comment makes alot of sense.
This is where I’m at rn but I’m worried about trying to get medication to treat it.
Since I was a kid I’ve always had issues with motivation and organization. My default state is moderate messiness and disorganization, weed just makes me not feel as bad about it and stop stressing myself out.
I hear you on the meds. I’m not sure I’m to enthused about those but people keep saying they help so I don’t know. I also know I need to change my behavioral habits I’ve developed over the years but it’s not easy. Just going to go with whatever the psychiatrist says and gk from there. I’m just so tired of my own crap at this point. And yeah, weed made it easier to just be. And I don’t think you have to take medication if you don’t want too. Don’t think they will force it on you.
Prolonged use of use of weed can reduce you brains motivation system which is something that people with ADHD already have a problem with. Long term use of weed may be risky idea for someone with ADHD. source: my doctor who gave me my medical card and my psychiatrist
I drink coffee everyday. I will rise my cup of Joe to the stoner. I get you bro.
Thing is, caffeine is physically addictive. Weed is not.
But you can make a habit out of anything.
Cheers! I’d like to pass on this info though, for anyone who enjoys both like myself:
Caffeine drinking potentiates cannabinoid transmission: interaction with stress effects - Neuropharmacology 2009
Our data suggest that the cannabinoid system is implicated in the psychoactive properties of caffeine and in the ability of caffeine to reduce the pathological consequences of stress. Chronic caffeine assumption sensitized GABAergic synapses to the presynaptic effect of cannabinoid CB1 receptor stimulation by exo- and endocannabinoids. The synaptic effects of caffeine were slowly reversible after its removal from the drinking solution. Furthermore, although exposure to caffeine for only 24h did not produce measurable changes of the sensitivity of cannabinoid CB1 receptors, it was able to contrast the down-regulation of CB1 receptor-mediated responses after social defeat stress.
I copied the rest from bloommedicinals.com, just the relevant bits. Also added the links to the studies and the pages with additional descriptions.
TL;DR:
- Low levels of caffeine can help to maximize the effects of THC, but too much caffeine can lessen the impact of your cannabis
- Caffeine and THC can both increase dopamine levels, but too much at once can trigger anxiety, agitation, and paranoia
What Happens When You Smoke Weed and Drink Coffee?
Since coffee and cannabis may offer so many health benefits on their own, you might think it’s safe to assume that enjoying a little bit of weed with your coffee would be okay. The reality is … it might be safe for most, but not for all. Here’s why.
THC and coffee can boost the amount of dopamine in our systems. Although dopamine can promote feelings of happiness and euphoria, too much of it at once can trigger anxiety, agitation, and paranoia. In addition, both caffeine and THC can both increase your blood pressure and heart rate.
This is why many doctors advise that those with heart conditions and those at risk of heart arrhythmia or stroke, should not mix caffeine and THC. So, if you’re new to mixing coffee and cannabis, it’s important to consult your doctor to make sure it makes sense for you. If it does, begin with lower amounts of coffee and cannabis than you would normally consume on their own. Then if needed, you can increase your dosage slowly.
Back in 2014, a study was conducted to measure the effects of mixing caffeine and cannabis on squirrel monkeys. The results of this study were published in the Journal of Neuroscience. (also described here)
The monkeys were given the ability to self administer cannabis whenever they wanted. All they had to do was to pull on a lever. When the monkeys were given low doses of a substance similar to caffeine, they seemed less likely to reach for the THC. But, when they received high doses of caffeine, they seemed to reach for that lever more often.
Then in 2018, a study led by Marilyn Cornelis at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine seemed to back up these findings. This time, the study examined the effects of mixing cannabis and coffee on humans. It found that the more caffeine people consumed, the less cannabis their body was able to metabolize. (also described here)
So, although small amounts of caffeine can help your THC go a long way – too much caffeine can lessen its effects.
