I'm an addict.

This morning, I explored the extent of my caffeine addiction. It was not pleasant.

I had the worst headache and I could not, for the life of me, figure out why. I suffered with it for a few hours, as I'm prone to do. I don't really like to take pain killers unless I need to. Then, I realized it was because I hadn't had any caffeine yet today. So I promptly made myself a cup of tea to relieve my pain.

Three sips into my glorious cup of life, my headache was gone.

Every morning, I drink a mug of hot tea while I drive to school and during my first period class. Usually it's Irish or English Breakfast Tea with half-and-half and brown sugar. Occasionally, I branch out and have some Chai (I'm a real daredevil, I know).

One time, I was running a little late and didn't get to drink my tea until about 8:30 a.m. I only delayed my caffeine intake by half an hour and I already had a headache.

I think the reason my addiction is so bad because I have caffeine at the same time every day. I should probably break the cycle. It's pathetic that I have to have caffeine every morning to function properly. But it's painful to break the cycle. I get physical withdrawal symptoms just like a drug addict. And I like coffee and tea.

I used to be addicted to coffee, but I switched to tea because I felt like it was healthier. Tea has less caffeine than coffee, I think. It also has natural anti-oxidants and doesn't make me so buzzed as coffee does.

So if you have any tips for quitting, you should tell me. Or maybe we could make a caffeine addict rehab. group! That could be fun...

(Photo credit: adalau, "Irish Breakfast - Tea")