ABSTRACT
“Women’s Caffeine and Nicotine Abuse,” presents and discusses two subclasses of psychostimulants that are non-prescription and, during the new millennium, legally available in an ever-increasing variety of products in the U.S. Caffeine (“Java,” “Joe”) is found in many popular foods and beverages, including coffee, tea, cola drinks, energy drinks, candies, and gums. Often used “to stay awake” or “to enjoy, after a meal with a cigarette,” caffeine is often used throughout the day, every day, by women across the lifespan. Caffeine commonly is associated with such harmful effects and toxicities as insomnia and gastric distress. Nicotine (“cancer sticks,” “coffin nails,” “Leaf”), available in a variety of tobacco products and e-cigarettes, as well as in many tobacco smoking cessation products, is often used by women, throughout the day, often with caffeine, “to lose or maintain body weight” or “just to enjoy.” Regular, long-term nicotine tobacco cigarette smoking is associated with various harmful effects and toxicities, including various cancers, among women, particularly lung cancer. Sidestream smoke also may produce negative effects among their infants and children who may be exposed in the home or other settings (e.g., automobile).
