As I swiped my debit card at the coffee shop for the second time that day, I began to wonder the true rationale behind my frequent trips to get my caffeine fix. For the first time, I took a break from sipping my Starbucks cold brew, and gave thought to the reason I burden my bank account for the sake of fulfilling a craving. Quaffing a cup of Joe has become a staple in my morning and afternoon routines, but why? The next morning, determined to believe I could get by without my bitter companion, I skipped out on the K-cup I so desperately wanted to brew. Despite not having my Anti Meridiem accompaniment, my day was off to an average start. But the sun didn’t shine on me long that day before I was struck with the greatest betrayal — a headache spurred on by my irresponsible decision to forgo a cup of morning magic. I wanted to know what this was happening to me — even more than I wanted an iced latte.

I am not professing to a full-blown addiction to caffeine here. Actually, no scientific evidence has shown caffeine contains the necessary properties to induce such an addiction, and I wouldn’t want to lose credibility in this highly scientific article. Caffeine dependence however is real, and considering the amount of caffeine many adults in America consumer daily, I am certain I am not the only one that is plagued by it. Don’t be afraid to admit it.

As with any dependence, withdrawal symptoms egregiously ensue when one is courageous enough to take a break from her only vice. OK, maybe I have a few others. Although mild, caffeine withdrawal symptoms, according to some highly accurate and totally reliable online source, include headache, irritability, drowsiness and muscle pain. I am sure you can imagine why one might experience some irritability when a girl’s café au lait is wrestled from her cold, now mug-less hands. And of course, without her twice-, sometimes thrice-daily java fix, a girl won’t have enough energy to combat drowsiness brought on by the trials and tribulations of the day-to-day.

Headaches and irritability are symptoms which are brought on about 12 to 24 hours after you’ve last consumed the hot stuff and last between two and nine days. Even muscle pain associated with your brave act to quit the brew is no match for the heartache experienced from lack of slurping espresso. Blaming it on the headache and inability to concentrate on my homework, I caved and savored every last drop of that fruitful reintroduction.

I am dependent on caffeine and my bank account hates it. Starbucks, on the other hand, is my best friend. This dependence is no joke, but luckily, I’ve never been a quitter. For the sake of those unfortunate souls who have the pleasure of interacting with me throughout the day, I’ve decided I can live with my fervent dependence on caffeine. You are welcome.