STUDENT: Gabrielle Percival

PROJECT ADVISOR: Michael M. Evans

ABSTRACT

The rate of drug relapse was studied in adults recovering from drug addiction in relation to the consumption or lack thereof of stimulant-containing beverages. Stimulant-containing beverages that are discussed are mainly coffee, but also some instances of energy drink consumption. In total, four research studies were examined in depth and select parts were put into use with the specific research question of whether stimulant-containing beverages prevent or provoke drug relapse. These articles were found both on Google Scholar and in a general search in Penn State University Libraries, both without any filters and used a combination of the keywords: drug relapse, addiction, addicts, coffee, caffeine, stimulants, alcoholics, Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous. After a complete review, the use of stimulant-containing beverages does play a role in helping to prevent relapse in persons in recovery due to the reward pathway in the brain and by blocking negative affects. The stimulant-containing beverages, especially coffee, help block the brain receptors that crave mind altering substances such as drugs and alcohol. It was found that caffeine works on the reward pathway of the brain in a less severe way, but still provides the feeling of stimulant drugs. This finding is not yet widely known and could be of great assistance to the medical professionals, rehabilitation personnel, family members of those struggling with addiction and persons suffering from addiction themselves.