> I think I've become addicted to the tactility of making the coffee as much I have to the caffeine.
You are not alone. Making pour-over coffee (from whole beans) is the first thing I do each morning, and I have several cups a day. Caffeine has no clearly noticeable effect on me, however, and I sometimes feel that I don’t even enjoy the taste that much. It dawned on me that the obsession is completely with the physical process, routine, and the fantastic aroma it creates.
You might notice it if you were to stop drinking coffee for a week - slight caffeine withdrawal. Also, I think that a small percentage of the obsession does come from caffeine addiction, the anticipation of the “hit”, etc. “No noticeable effect” can also mean that you just feel normal with it, but a bit uncomfortable (or tired) without.
I wouldn’t underestimate the drug, not anymore - doing a detox made me realize how it’s still a drug that does stuff to your brain and possibly your body.
With a couple of friends, we did a 0 caffeine challenge for a week. First to drink any caffeinated drink would have to get the first round of drinks after work on Friday.
Knowing the first couple of days I go without coffee I'm pretty slow, I started on the Saturday rather than the planned Monday.
On Tuesday I was getting tested for Covid because I was feeling feeverish (no actual fever), had cramps and intense pain in my back. By the end of the week I was feeling a little better. On Friday, we all had a cup of coffee together, no one had lost the challenge.
All that to say that never again will I underestimate the drug.
You’re probably right, although I know people who get headaches if they go one morning without it and that’s certainly not the case with me (and I can sleep after a shot of espresso too).
I don’t underestimate it, but so far the evidence seems to point to moderate coffee consumption being a net benefit. I’ll probably try having a no-caffeine week at some point anyway, just for, you know, science.
You are not alone. Making pour-over coffee (from whole beans) is the first thing I do each morning, and I have several cups a day. Caffeine has no clearly noticeable effect on me, however, and I sometimes feel that I don’t even enjoy the taste that much. It dawned on me that the obsession is completely with the physical process, routine, and the fantastic aroma it creates.