I Quit Caffeine with ADHD—Here’s What Happened After 10 Days
By Lyssa De La O
For years, caffeine was my lifeline.
After stepping away from ADHD medication, I turned to energy drinks to get through the day. They made me feel productive, focused, energized—until they didn’t. I was constantly chasing the next can, timing my day around caffeine boosts so I could still manage quality sleep and experiencing inevitable crashes. And deep down, I felt dependent. Stuck. Even ashamed.
So, 10 days ago, I decided to quit.
I want to walk you through what that’s been like—not just the withdrawal, but the emotional rollercoaster, the wins I didn’t expect, and how I’m learning to manage my ADHD in new ways. If you’re wondering whether you could ever function without caffeine, I hope this helps you feel less alone.
1. Why I Quit Caffeine
The biggest reason? I didn’t like needing something just to function. After quitting ADHD medication, I wanted to see if I could rely on myself again—if my body and brain could show up without outside stimulation. I hated the cycle of needing energy drinks every day and feeling anxious or frustrated when I didn’t have them. I craved a clean slate.
2. Withdrawal: The First Few Days
The first three days were rough—headaches, fatigue, and that classic sluggish fog. But surprisingly, by day four, my mood started to improve. I was less anxious, and I noticed that a nagging stomach pain I often got after drinking energy drinks disappeared completely.
Even now, I still experience brain fog occasionally—but it’s not as overwhelming as it was before quitting, and I am willing to deal with it for now.
3. ADHD Without Caffeine
This surprised me: my ADHD didn’t get worse. In fact, some things improved.
My anxiety dropped, although it hasn’t gone away completely. I sleep better. And while I don’t have the caffeine-induced morning “superpowers,” I also don’t crash by 2 PM anymore. My energy is steady and sustainable throughout the day—and that alone is worth it.
4. What I Use Instead
I didn’t replace caffeine with another substance. Instead, I focused on foundational habits:
Drinking more water (at least half a gallon or 1800 mL/day)
Prioritizing 8–9 hours of sleep
Occasionally using melatonin for rest support
Sometimes I reach for fizzy seltzer water when I miss that energy drink sensation—but no caffeine.
5. The Biggest Wins So Far
No more crashes
Better sleep—I fall asleep in 5 minutes instead of spiraling restlessly for hours
More emotional regulation—I’m less reactive with my family
Less anxiety and fewer food cravings—I don’t constantly need to snack or self-soothe
It feels like I’ve stepped off a rollercoaster I didn’t know I was riding.
6. Mood, Sleep & Anxiety: The Real Changes
Sleep is the biggest game-changer. No more tossing and turning. No more anxiety spirals at night. I wake up feeling refreshed (as long as I get enough sleep)—and that makes everything else easier.
And my mood? Calmer. More stable. I’m not reacting out of panic or overwhelm anymore. I can actually pause, think, and choose how I respond.
7. Temptation to Go Back
Of course there are days I want to grab an energy drink. I miss the taste, the rush, the familiarity.
But I remind myself: the crash made me miserable. Now I occasionally drink flavored seltzers to give me that fizzy feeling without the stimulant. It’s not always easy, but it’s worth it.
8. Focus & Productivity Without Caffeine
My ability to focus hasn’t disappeared. In fact, I feel less impulsive. I still use ADHD-friendly strategies, like:
Redirecting myself back to tasks out loud
Breaking chores into small, clear steps
Categorizing my daily tasks into:
Obligatory (things I must do like work or take kids to school)
Cyclical (laundry, dishes)
Value-based (things that bring joy or growth)
These habits help me move through the day with structure—without needing a chemical boost.
9. Brain Fog & Tired Days
I still get tired—especially if I don’t sleep well. But instead of pushing through with caffeine, I give myself grace.
I’ve adopted this mantra from my husband:
“Slow is smooth, and smooth is fast.”
If I can only put away the dishes today, that’s still a win, and I can continue with more dishes tomorrow. I also move my body in short bursts—walks around the block, beach walks, dancing with my kids in the kitchen. Even a little movement helps improve some of the brain fog.
10. To Anyone Thinking About Quitting Caffeine…
You’ll never know how good it can feel unless you try. I was scared, and I thought I couldn’t function without it. I tried and failed multiple times throughout the years.
But today, I’m living proof: you can feel calm, energized, and capable—without caffeine.
Instead of masking my body’s needs, I’m finally honoring them. And that’s a kind of strength I didn’t know I had that I’ll keep pursuing!
10 Best Amazon Gift Ideas
It all begins with an idea.
I love sharing the gift ideas that uplift my lifestyle, my home and my family without breaking the bank or cluttering my home. If you want to find gift items that will elevate someone’s life or your own, this list is for you!
Disclosure: Links in this post are affiliate Amazon links and I do earn a small commission if you make a purchase after clicking these links, although using the links does not increase the cost of the products to you.
1- Guitar Pick Holder Bracelet
This is a great gift option for your loved one who plays guitar and is always on the go, or always losing their picks!
https://amzn.to/46Ck9l5
2- Workout Shorts with Yoga liner and Pockets
These shorts have been heaven sent for me! As a girly who is thick on the butt/thigh area, I can say these shorts cover all the things that need to be covered in order for me to feel confident, while still being 100% comfy when exercising.
Workout Shorts with Yoga liner and Pockets
https://amzn.to/46BXaqq
3- TRUSS Deluxe Prime Hair Treatment - Restores, Detangles & Adds Shine
I found a new hair dresser and she used this product before brushing out my hair after shampooing and conditioning, and I was blown away! It detangled my hair effortlessly, which was amazing since I have very thick and heavy hair. Now I use this when detangling my daughter’s hair after the shower, and there’s a lot less crying and I can see her curl shape and shine have improved.
TRUSS Deluxe Prime Hair Treatment - Restores, Detangles & Adds Shine
https://amzn.to/4a2PpN9
4- Klean Freak Body Wipes
If you have someone in your life who is always at the gym, or works in a field where they always get dirty but have no access to water! My husband loves these as he is always at the gym and works outdoors. He says they feel like a shower until he can get a real shower.
https://amzn.to/3N8fFMd
5- Goya Hot Sauce
I don’t love super spicy food, but I do love a good tasting mild hot sauce! If you know someone in this category, this is the perfect hot sauce!
https://amzn.to/47ARKx7
6- CORSKI Women’s Lounge Set
I purchased this lounge set for myself, and the fabric is so soft, smooth and comfy! The best part is I can wear it while hanging out at home, or out and about since they don’t look like pajamas!
https://amzn.to/3N8fQqR
7- OYANUS Women’s Summer Workout Top
This workout top was so comfortable that I bough it twice this year in two different colors! The fabric is lightweight, and cool, while the design is flattering, yet simple.
OYANUS Women’s Summer Workout Top
https://amzn.to/4a2zwq2
8- HKCLUF Crossbody Bag
When I got this purse in the mail I was surprised that it was bigger than I expected, but I am so happy with it. It comes with two straps with cute designs, and I love how thick the straps are. As someone who carries my planner with me everywhere, as well as multiple kid toys and a water bottle, this purse fits ALL the essentials!
https://amzn.to/47WwYYt
9- PUZMUG Oil Sprayer
For a long time I felt annoyed with having to buy a new bottle of spray oil because it felt so wasteful to buy a new bottle and throw it away every time. I found this easy to use reusable oil sprayer, and it’s been a game changer!
https://amzn.to/3sZIgfN
10- ANDPAI Handmade Dried Flower Earrings
I found these handmade earrings made with real dried flowers and they are so cute! Every time I wear them I get so many compliments, and they are such a fun piece to add to simple, yet elegant outfits.
ANDPAI Handmade Dried Flower Earrings
https://amzn.to/49YjHAm