"I'm addicted to caffeine" is a phrase often repeated jokingly by people as they reach for their morning tea or coffee. But is caffeine addiction real and how seriously should you take it?

Caffeine can be found in tea, coffee and cola, which may explain why these drinks are so popular. Once the caffeine is ingested it affects your central nervous system and acts as a stimulant increasing your energy levels and making you feel good. But the addictive nature of caffeine can also have a significantly detrimental effect.

When was the last time you went without a cup of coffee in the morning? Recent studies have shown that over 90% of all households drink coffee everyday. When you consume a substance that your body starts to rely on, then you're heading down a dangerous path.

According to Professor Roland Griffiths of the John Hopkins School of Medicine, caffeine produces significant withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms are followed by the intense need for coffee or for another beverage that is high in caffeine. Withdrawal includes headaches, irritability and moodiness. Caffeine has also been documented as the possible cause for stomach ulcers, infertility, insomnia, breast tumours and nervous system disorders.

It is also one of the most common reasons for hyperactivity in young children. If you think that you might be experiencing caffeine addiction, it's time to wake up and take note to the damage that you might be doing to your body. Try going for one day without coffee or caffeine in any form. In addition to coffee, avoid energy drinks, fizzy drinks and tea; replace them with water instead. Caffeine is one habit that you need to watch closely. Years of caffeine abuse can bring about serious illness. If you're going to try and cease your caffeine intake, try weaning yourself off gradually, and be prepared for the possibility of a bout of depression.

Unlike most other drugs caffeine addiction is relatively easy to beat. Start by reducing your daily dose of caffeinated beverages and eventually wean yourself off them entirely. If you don't want to quit altogether then be mindful of the amount of caffeine you ingest everyday. Restrict yourself to just one coffee at the beginning of the day.

While it's easy to quit if you have self control, the fact that it's legal and part of your weekly shopping list doesn't discourage its use. You'll need to be really determined to break your caffeine addition if you're going to be successful. If you want to be mentally alert all the time, then stop your caffeine addiction in its tracks. You'll likely find that, overall, you have more energy and better health.