The Caffeine Detox

Dramatic title, but an unfortunate aspect of my coffee hobby and habits is that at least once a year, I have to undergo a caffeine detox to reset my brain. It always sucks, and all I can control is what flavor of “it sucks” I want this time around. I originally started writing this before doing my detox, but I have since done it–so I’ll talk about the experience and how this could perhaps help you, the reader :3 You’ll also get to enjoy un-edited draft notes from June 2026 Regal compared against the future knowledge I, the wizened October 2026 Regal have since gained. What’s a Caffeine Detox and why do it? *Dusts off biology degree* | Art by Courtnya So the quick and dirty from the science side is: ACh = neurotransmitter that signals sleepiness to the brain Caffeine = competitive “antagonist” to ACh (it has priority in fitting into, and blocking ACh receptors in the brain) Less ACh is received –> brain says ‘less sleepy’ Brain also says “oh no I’m not getting a normal amount of ACh, I…