For those who are not aware, I have what some may call an unhealthy caffeine addiction. I ingest it in all possible forms, energy drinks, coffees, teas, in food, and sometimes even in tablet form. I prefer having a decent coffee from one of the major coffee retailers, but this has to have a minimum of 4 shots of coffee in it for me to be happy. When drinking the awful instant variety, it has to have at least 2 spoonfuls of the granules.

After a little bit of maths, it appears that I consume a ridiculous 1000mg a day on average. I think most sources agree that this is not a “healthy amount”. However, I feel no effects from drinking it, I just like the taste of coffee, tea, and the non-drowsiness of some pills I need to take.

I have been on a quest to find a super strong coffee that does not just taste great but also give me a metaphorical punch in the face. I have tried all the blends you can pick up in the regular stores, the entire Nespresso range, and now am looking further afield - I’ve tried “atomic blast” coffees from Boca Java and the next one on the list is “Death Wish Coffee”. I cannot wait for that to arrive on the doorstep!

Knowing of my obsession, one of the guys has laid down a challenge. As any self respecting man, I cannot turn it down. Go for at least 3 days without any caffeine. Well, I want to go 5 days, a working week in fact. Challenge accepted I say! However, is this going to send me spiralling into withdrawal? Am I going to wake up in cold sweats, screaming for one more hit of caffeine? This not only includes none of my usual drinks, but some foods such as chocolate and various deserts. Sure, its only 5 days, but try taking crack away from a crack fiend for 5 days! I don’t expect to go trainspotting dead baby climbing on the ceiling crazy, but there is a chance of irritability, the shakes, tiredness and general lack of focus… I intend to update this later with a roundup of the first day or two.

Wish me luck!

- Dan