Caffeine
Caffeine is a naturally occurring chemical compound that produces dopamine and stimulates the central nervous system, increasing focus and alertness while suppressing appetite. It is classified as a drug due to its psychoactive effects, which tracks given its tendency to cause addiction. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, around 85% of the U.S. population drinks at least one caffeinated beverage a day. Daily caffeine use is not necessarily dangerous in moderation, but overconsumption can lead to caffeine dependence.
Caffeine dependence works like other drug addictions; repeated use leads one to develop a tolerance that requires more caffeine use to achieve the same results. In the absence of caffeine, a person with caffeine dependence may experience headaches, nausea, or low energy. There are conflicting reports on whether or not caffeine dependency should be qualified as a drug addiction at all, but caffeine withdrawal is currently recognized as a clinical condition.
CBT
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, also known as CBT, is a psychotherapy method in which licensed professionals work with patients to change how they think about negative situations. CBT can be very helpful, not only for people struggling with mental disorders such as depression or anxiety, but anyone who wants to learn how to think more constructively. Some reported benefits of CBT include mood improvements, better emotional management, and faster healing after a traumatic experience.
There are many ways to get started with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. If you feel you may be interested in CBT, you can reach out to your healthcare provider and see if you can get a referral to a therapist. It is important to make sure that your insurance covers psychotherapy such as CBT as treatment could be costly.
Celibacy
Celibacy is the intentional avoidance of sexual activities for whatever reason. Although they are often treated alike, celibacy and abstinence are not the same thing. Celibacy is under the umbrella of abstinence (any intentional avoidance of something), specifically referring to sex. Different people swear themselves to celibacy for different reasons, be it for religious, social, or personal reasons. For some people, vows of celibacy are lifelong commitments, and for others, their celibacy may last only a couple of years.
Involuntary celibacy is when someone is actively looking for sexual experiences but is unable to for any reason. Unlike voluntary celibacy, involuntary celibacy is inherently temporary as it is defined by the pursuit of a sexual relationship. Involuntary celibacy can lead to feelings of sexual frustration, resentment towards the preferred sex, and perceived inadequacy.
Chest Binding
Chest binding is the process of compressing one’s breasts in order to make them appear flatter and more masculine. Binding is often practiced by transgender men and assigned-female-at-birth nonbinary people to reduce dysphoria, or feelings of discomfort due to the disparity between one’s body and their gender identity. To assist with binding, many people use binders, tight undershirt-like garments that compress one’s chest to make it appear flatter.
Binding is generally safe when practiced responsibly, but doing it too often can have negative side effects on one’s health. High levels of compression are required to bind effectively, so binding for long periods of time without breaks could put excessive pressure on the ribs and spine. It is important to use binders that fit well yet allow for full, deep breaths while wearing them, and also to never sleep while binding.