Caffeine may appear harmless, but the psychology of ‘addiction transfer’ can lead to complicated health consequences

xAs cigarettes, alcohol, and vapes lose their appeal among India’s urban population, a different stimulant has taken their place — caffeine. From bustling cafés in Mumbai to the rise of artisanal coffee brands and energy drinks flooding super-market shelves, caffeine is becoming the socially acceptable fix for a generation trying to give up more harmful vices.

But health experts are beginning to sound the alarm: while caffeine may appear harmless compared to tobacco or alcohol, the psychology of “addiction transfer” — swapping one dependency for another — can lead to subtle yet significant health consequences.

From Ciggies to Cappuccinos

According to a 2025 report by Ind

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