I realised this feeling is why I have such an issue avoiding caffeine, even more after starting on ritalin.
It’s that, “I’m really starting to feel awake and capable now” feeling, sometimes a light tenseness in the back of the neck.
What is going on here, neuronically?
Also a time when I really crave nicotine. I’m trying to quit the nicotine so if I can understand this feeling, I can make a strategy to avoid it.
Even before I got to the last part where you talk about nicotine cravings, my first thought was caffeine withdrawal. When I have a caffeine dependence (like always) I get that feeling until I’ve had my strong coffee.
If I don’t drink coffee, I get an ache/tightness in my neck, headaches, difficulty concentrating, and irritability.
Ya this. Simple addiction/withdrawal cycle. Overlapping addictions can certainly magnify things.