Beating the Addiction

Paper Summary:

In this paper, the writer relates his withdrawal symptoms when he attempted to overcome his addiction to Red Bull drinks as well as his relapse prevention strategies, and recounts an incident where he relapsed and intervened. The writer then expresses his thoughts about giving something up and points out the lessons he learned and how they apply to the overall concept of addiction. The writer discusses the symptoms of his addiction and considers whether his behavior change was easy or difficult. Finally, the writer explains what this experience taught him about people who have to give up chemicals and shows how it changed his view of addiction and willpower.

Outline:
Stages of Change
Symptoms of Post Acute Withdrawal
Relapse Prevention Strategies
Incidences of Relapse and How You Tried To Intervene
Your Thoughts/Feelings About Giving Something Up & What You Learned and How it Applies to the Overall Concept of Addicition
Did You Have Symptoms of Addiction?
Was Your Behavior Change Easy or Difficult and Why?
What Did It Teach You About People Who Have To Give Up Chemicals and Did It Change Your View of Addiction and Willpower?

From the Paper:

"Although Red Bull energy drinks come stocked with a variety of so-called energy-producing substances including Glucose, Taurine, Glucuronolactone, Niacin, and Sodium Citrate, the active ingredient is none other than Caffeine. While scientists have debated the positive versus the negative effects of the drug, most can say without a doubt that caffeine is highly addictive. Quitting caffeine cold turkey is almost as difficult as quitting smoking, perhaps more so. By journaling my experience giving up Red Bull, and therefore caffeine, the mysteries of the caffeine-free journey will be unearthed."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Pavlina, Steve. (2005). How To Give Up Coffee. Retrieved June 24, 2008, from http://www.stevepavlina.com/blog/2005/05/how-to-give-up-coffee/.
• Di Justo, Patrick. (2007). What's Inside: Red Bull. Retrieved June 24, 2008, from http://www.wired.com/science/discoveries/magazine/15-07/st_redbull.
• Griffiths, R.R., Juliano, L.M., & Chausmer, A.L. (2003). Caffeine pharmacology and clinical effects. In: Graham A.W., Schultz T.K., Mayo-Smith M.F., Ries R.K. & Wilford, B.B. (eds.) Principles of Addiction Medicine, Third Edition (pp. 193-224). Chevy Chase, MD: American Society of Addiction.
• Stockton, Trent. (2004). Caffeine Withdrawal Recognized as a Disorder. Retrieved June 24, 2008, from http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/Press_releases/2004/09_29_04.html.

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