: 1. Caffeine: Tea drinking has had a long history dating as far as 2700 B.C. in China. Today tea and coffee drinking have become popular in many parts of the world. It has been estimated that about one-third of the world's population are coffee drinkers. The popularity of tea and coffee is attributed to the stimulating effect produced by the caffeine present in them. The amount of caffeine is comparatively low; people do not normally become addicted to drinking tea or coffee.
Caffeine may be prescribed to overcome fatigue and drowsiness or to counter depression from an overdose of drugs e.g. barbiturate poisoning. However, an excessive use of any drug may be harmful e.g. too much caffeine may be bad for the heart and kidneys.
2. Alcohol: Alcohol is normally consumed in the form of alcoholic beverages such as wines, beers or spirits (e.g. brandy and whisky). The drinking of alcoholic beverages is a way of life in many countries. People drink at weddings, religious festivals or social gatherings, which at usually socially acceptable as most people are able to control the amount of alcohol they drink. The problem arises when a person drinks to such an extent that it becomes a hazard to his health and his body craves for alcohol.
Caffeine may be prescribed to overcome fatigue and drowsiness or to counter depression from an overdose of drugs e.g. barbiturate poisoning. However, an excessive use of any drug may be harmful e.g. too much caffeine may be bad for the heart and kidneys.
2. Alcohol: Alcohol is normally consumed in the form of alcoholic beverages such as wines, beers or spirits (e.g. brandy and whisky). The drinking of alcoholic beverages is a way of life in many countries. People drink at weddings, religious festivals or social gatherings, which at usually socially acceptable as most people are able to control the amount of alcohol they drink. The problem arises when a person drinks to such an extent that it becomes a hazard to his health and his body craves for alcohol.
