Caffeine's effects are addictive, similar to serious drugs. O'Brien emphasized that whereas cocaine and heroin are highly addictive drugs and produce serious health, social and psychiatric effects, absolutely no evidence suggests that caffeine produces similar outcomes. Furthermore, comparing a safe substance such as caffeine to cocaine and heroin trivializes the dangerous effects of these substances and sends mixed messages to youth. It is difficult to reduce or eliminate caffeine intake. The effects of reducing or stopping caffeine intake are mild for the vast majority of people.
Caffeine causes breast disease.
Both the American Medical Association's Council on Scientific Affairs and the National Cancer Institute have concluded that there is no association between caffeine intake and fibrocystic breast disease. This article is reprinted with permission from the International Food Information Council Foundation , September 1998. BMI Global Consultants Ltd. All Rights Reserved.