But health experts are beginning to sound the alarm: while caffeine may appear harmless compared to tobacco or alcohol, the psychology of “addiction transfer” — swapping one dependency for another — can lead to subtle yet significant health consequences.

From Ciggies to Cappuccinos

According to a 2025 report by India’s National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), over 38% of young adults who quit smoking or vaping in the last five years reported an increased intake of caffeine through coffee, tea, or energy drinks. The average caffeine consumption per capita in urban India has risen by nearly 25% since 2020.

What’s driving this shift? The social landscape around caffeine is far more forgiving. Coffee shops have replaced smoking zones as safe social spaces, and energy drinks are marketed as productivity boosters rather than substances to be wary of. For many, caffeine offers the same psychological comfort — a daily ritual, a sense of alertness, and a way to manage stress — without the guilt associated with other addictions.

“Caffeine has become the modern-day cigarette,” says Dr. Kavita Mitra, a Mumbai-based psychiatrist specializing in addiction behaviour. “It’s legal, easily available, and even celebrated in pop culture. But when people use caffeine as a coping mechanism rather than a beverage, it can mask deeper emotional and psychological dependencies.”

Harmless Buzz Myth

While caffeine is generally considered safe in moderate doses, the problem arises when consumption becomes excessive or compulsive. Health experts link high caffeine intake to increased anxiety, disrupted sleep cycles, elevated heart rates, and even digestive issues.

Energy drinks, in particular, pose a risk. A single can contain up to 300 mg of caffeine — equivalent to nearly three cups of coffee. Paired with sugar and additives, these beverages can cause energy crashes and dependency cycles similar to nicotine withdrawal.

Dr. Rohan Sethi, a Delhi-based cardiologist explains: “People underestimate the physio-logical impact of caffeine. It stimulates the same reward centres in the brain as other addictive substances. Over time, your body adapts — you need more to achieve the same ‘kick,’ and withdrawal symptoms like head-aches, irritability, and fatigue start appearing.”

Cultural Acceptance

Part of caffeine’s appeal lies in its cultural normalcy. While cigarettes and alcohol are often linked to vice, caffeine has been woven into India’s daily rhythm — from morning chai to after-meal coffee.

The corporate world, too, has amplified this trend. Work culture glorifies productivity, and caffeine is marketed as a tool for efficiency. Cafés have become remote offices, and slogans like “But first, coffee” have turned caffeine consumption into a personality trait.

“Caffeine has become an identity marker,” notes Dr Mitra, “Quitting smoking or drinking is seen as a victory, but people rarely recognise that they’ve simply replaced one dependency with another that’s socially acceptable.”

Illusion of Control

Beyond the physical effects, the mental health implications of caffeine addiction are concerning. Using caffeine to manage mood swings, anxiety, or exhaustion can trap individuals in a cycle of temporary relief followed by withdrawal-induced fatigue or irritability.

Dr. Sethi points out that this cycle mimics the same psycho-logical pattern seen in other addictions: “The person believes they’re in control because caffeine is ‘harmless,’ but the dependence on an external substance for emotional regula-tion remains intact. It’s a psychological sleight of hand.”

Find The Balance

Experts stress that the goal isn’t to demonize caffeine but to promote awareness and moderation. Drinking a cup or two of coffee a day isn’t inherently dangerous — it’s the why and how much that matters.

“Mindfulness is key,” says Dr. Mitra. “If you’re drinking coffee to enjoy its flavour or social aspect, that’s fine. But if you can’t function without it, or if it’s replacing emotional self-care, that’s a sign of dependency.”

Simple changes — such as monitoring intake, alternating with decaffeinated options, and prioritizing sleep — can help individuals enjoy caffeine responsibly without slipping into addiction patterns.

The Craving Remains

As India’s health landscape evolves, the caffeine comeback reflects a deeper societal truth: quitting one addiction doesn’t automatically lead to emotional freedom. Substituting one stimulant for another can feel like progress, but unless the underlying need — for comfort, focus, or escape — is addressed, the pattern remains unchanged.

Caffeine may be celebrated as the safer choice, but as experts warn, the difference between a morning ritual and a coping mechanism is often just one extra cup away.

Bean There, Done That

• 38% of young adults who quit smoking or vaping in the last 5 years reported an increased intake of caffeine through coffee, tea, or energy drinks. (NIMHANS 2025 Report)

• Average caffeine consumption per capita in urban India has risen by nearly 25% since 2020.

• A single can of an energy drink contains up to 300 mg of caffeine — equivalent to nearly three cups of coffee.