Coffee and Tea Aren't Addictive, Says Addiction Specialist

Tea and coffee are widely consumed, yet their effects on the brain remain misunderstood. Psychiatrist and addiction specialist Vasily Shurov has clarified that neither drink leads to true dependence. He describes them as mild stimulants—with coffee acting more like a temporary boost than a genuine stimulant. Shurov explains that caffeine works by blocking adenosine receptors in the brain. These receptors normally signal fatigue, so caffeine creates a false sense of alertness. This allows people to work longer without feeling tired.

According to the specialist, coffee does not produce real addiction. Its effects are short-lived, and the body quickly adjusts. Unlike stronger substances, coffee rarely appears in addiction treatment cases. Shurov also dismisses the idea of tea or coffee addiction. He states there is no scientific basis for calling them addictive. Instead, they simply provide a mild, temporary lift.

The specialist’s comments suggest that concerns over coffee dependence are overstated. Both tea and coffee have minimal addictive potential, with effects that fade quickly. Their role in daily routines remains more about habit than true chemical reliance.