Is Caffeine a Nutrient, a Drug, or a Drug of Abuse?
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6 min read
Caffeine is the most widely consumed psychoactive substance in the world, with over 90% of adults in the United States using it regularly. This ubiquity sparks a debate: is this substance, found in everything from coffee to medications, simply a nutrient, a pharmaceutical drug, or something with the potential for abuse? The answer is more nuanced than a single category can capture, involving its pharmacological effects and potential for dependence.