Caffeine, in the Essay Drugs and Work, by Andrew D. Carson

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Caffeine Use
by Andrew D. Carson, Ph.D.

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Caffeine (in coffee, tea, sodas, chocolate, or even through pills) is probably the most widely used substance that affects vocational adjustment (at least in the United States, but this probably generalizes to nations in which coffee has any degree of wide use). It is a stimulant, often used by individuals to "wake" themselves up or otherwise increase their alertness. Low to moderate use appears to pose no to few health risks, although individuals with high blood pressure should avoid use.

Schivelbusch (1992/1980) reviews the social history of coffee and related stimulants. The use of coffee became widespread in the Middle East and in the Islamic world generally, and then to Christian nations in Europe (where, initially, some nations attempted -- and failed -- to halt its use; see Weil & Rosen, 1983, p. 41) and ultimately the the Americas. Some religions (e.g., Mormons) prohibit its use. Tea spread from India to China and other East Asian nations, and ultimately to Europe and the Americas. Chocolate spread from the Americas to Europe and then to the rest of the world. Cola drinks are now available worldwide and in most workplaces (although only a small part of the caffeine in a cola drink is from the cola bean per se, the remainder being a synthetic caffeine additive derived from coffee or tea; see Weil & Rosen, p. 42).

Production of plants that yield caffeine (especially coffee) became and remains an important part of the agricultural of many equatorial and nations around the world. In many of these areas, farmers often choose to plant coffee rather than other more lucrative (but illegal) drug crops.

In its various forms, caffeine is consumed daily in almost every workplace. Many employers encourage its use through offering coffee and tea to all employees. Schivelbusch (1992/1980) argues that caffeine use has spread hand-in-hand with the expansion of capitalism. However, he also notes that Protestant nations were early adopters of coffee, while Catholic nations tended to adopt chocolate. Caffeine reliance may encourage employees to accept sleep deprivation as a way of life, putting at risk their long-term health. However, as a mild stimulant able to help workers stay at their job tasks longer, it seems to have gained a permanent foothold in the workplace.

This is not to say that excessive caffeine use at the workplace cannot cause severe work dysfunctions. Caffeine intoxication during work hours is not unknown.

Because caffeine use is often thought to stunt growth, minors have generally been discouraged from drinking highly caffeinated products such as coffee. Entry into the workforce is therefore often associated with a corresponding entry into increased caffeine use, primarily through coffee. The primary social psychological use of caffeine is presumably to speed up thinking and heighten energy and competitive focus, although caffeine lows (and corresponding loss of energy and mental focus) typically follow caffeine highs.

It is also likely that many athletes may rely on strong doses of caffeine prior to workouts and games as a way to boost performance while avoiding illegal substances that may be detected through urine tests. Investigations of the recent rash of football players who have died during summer workouts suggests that such caffeine doping is widespread and tolerated by both players and coaches.

Links:
Caffeine (from CEIDA, NSW Health).
Caffeine (from Encyclopedia.com).
Cola (from Encyclopedia.com).
The History of Coffee (Community Coffee).
Coffee Science Source "was created by the National Coffee Association to gather and disseminate the most up-to-date information on coffee, caffeine and health in the United States" (National Coffee Association).
The Way of Tea.
Caffeine Intoxication (article by Arnie Rincover from CareerWeb.com). Discusses problems of excessive caffeine use on the job.
Caffeine Intoxication, focus on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) classification, from drowning.com.
Dunkin Donuts, which began as a business that provided meals and coffee break snacks to workers on the outskirts of Boston, changed its focus to donut and coffee shops in 1946, and it recently (in 2000) opened its 5,000th shop (in Bali, Indonesia). It recently sold its 8 billionth cup of coffee.
Starbucks.com, the popular coffeehouse chain's site.
Starbucks criticized in Taiwan for threatening local cafe culture.
Bach's Coffee Cantata. J. S. Bach performed at coffee houses of his day and set a comic satire about the coffee house craze to music.

References to citations in the text.

Credits:
1 View of coffee processing under palm trees in Kauai, Hawaii, from 1899 color photo engraving. Believed to be in the public domain, from http://www.printsoldandrare.com/hawaii/