I'm trying again...
I managed to go caffeine-free for five months. Then I fell back into it because of chocolate 100%. I've been drinking coffee every day for over three weeks recently - usually two strong coffees a day. Today is my second day without caffeine - a win, but it's tough. I also suffer from depression and am currently off my medication. Caffeine works - I have no doubt about that - it boosts mood, motivation, and energy, but for me, it has too many costs - stress and sleep. I also want to try ketamine infusions soon, and according to research, caffeine blocks some of the effects of ketamine - that's a huge help for me when I'm coming off it. Withdrawal is difficult, but it gets much better later. It's good that I've gone caffeine-free for five months because I still remember it and know it gets much better later. But yes, it's easy to relapse, especially when caffeine does as much for you as it does for me - it has a real effect on mood and motivation. And no - unfortunately, 5 months without caffeine did not magically cure me of depression - unfortunately, I no longer believe in such fairy tales.