Caffeine is Not as Addictive as Scheduled Narcotics Essay

Caffeine is Not as Addictive as Scheduled Narcotics It is a common misconception that caffeine is a highly addictive compound. Caffeine does, however possess some mild stimulating properties. These properties are not enough to claim it an addictive substance, and definitely not a candidate to be a scheduled narcotic. â€Å"Today caffeine is greeted with near-universal approval and caffeine may well be the most commonly-used psychoactive substance on the planet†(Erowid). Caffeine is not as addictive as some claim when discussing the chemical effects and its addictive nature. Caffeine, also known as trimethylxanthine, is a white stimulant drug in the xanthine alkaloid family. It has a crystalline structure and is bitter in taste. It†¦show more content†¦They create temporary improvements to mental or physical functions. In the case of caffeine, they make the user more alert. Drugs that are classified as stimulants are used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder as well as other disorders. Caffeine is classified as a eugeroic. A eugeroic drug is a wakefulness-promoting agent that improves wakefulness and alertness, while reducing the need for sleep. Other drugs in the stimulant category are: Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), also known by its street name â€Å"ecstasy†; methamphetamine, cocaine, and nicotine. (Drugs and Human Performance Methylenedioxymethamphetamine) In order to understand how caffeine affects the human body, one must understand the chemicals produced within the human brain. One such chemical, adenosine, is responsible for drowsiness. Adenosine binds itself to adenosine receptors which result in slowing down nervous activity as well as causing blood vessels to dilate. Adenosine receptors cannot distinguish the difference between caffeine and adenosine, thus allowing the caffeine molecule to bind to the adenosine receptors. The cells bound to caffeine can no longer identify adenosine molecules. Caff eine has the opposite effect that adenosine has on the brain. Instead, caffeine causes the nerve cells to speed up. The increased speed of the nervous cells causes the brain to constrict blood vessels instead of dilating them. This also causes increased neuron