Could needing a cup of coffee be a sign of addiction?

Here’s another example of a group of scientists with too much time on their hands.

Everything we’ve heard about coffee lately has been good news. It helps ward off things like diabetes and Alzheimer’s, and helps treat depression. And it sure helps ‘defog’ our brains.

But what about “caffeine use disorder?” Ever heard of that?

If you haven’t, it’s a brand new “mental health disorder” that’s now officially recognized by the American Psychiatric Association. And one in 10 of us who depend on our morning jolt of Joe are thought to be suffering from it.

So recently, a team of scientists from not one, but three prestigious universities — including Johns Hopkins — decided it would be a good form of addiction to study. (Perhaps because they were drinking coffee at the time.)

They even wrote a paper on this so-called condition, and are talking about the need to do “more research” on it.

It’s a “quality of life” issue, according to one expert. And some of the reasons given might have come straight out of Saturday Night Live.

For example, a member of the research team told of a man whose tropical vacation was ruined because his wife spent so much time looking for a cup of Java.

But don’t worry. If you think you have “caffeine use disorder,” I’m sure there will be a drug coming along any day now you can “ask your doctor about!”

Sources:
“Caffeine use disorder: a widespread health problem that needs more attention” Press release, 1/28/2014, American University, eurekalert.org