Non-Alcoholic Hangover

This entry was published at least two years ago (originally posted on February 16, 2009). Since that time the information may have become outdated or my beliefs may have changed (in general, assume a more open and liberal current viewpoint). A fuller disclaimer is available.

Almost a year ago, I got a nasty stomach flu bug that knocked me out of commission for a weekend. One of the (voluntary) lasting side effects was that as long as I’d spent a weekend drinking nothing but water and non-caffeinated sodas (ginger ale and 7-up to try to calm my stomach), we decided to just keep the trend going, and I cut caffeinated drinks out of my routine. This puts me at almost a full year without caffeine.

Since this is a three-day weekend, I went out to the Mercury last night. I had my usual drink — a Malibu Rum and Coke (a very slight bit of caffeine in these, yes, but not like drinking a full glass of Coke would give me). Once that was done, I figured I’d have something non-alcoholic for the rest of the evening, and without even thinking about it, just asked the bartender for a “soda.”

Which, of course, was a big ol’ glass of Coke.

Next time I do this, I must remember to specify 7-Up. I didn’t think about it at the time, but I’m in the midst of what I’m deeming a ‘caffeine hangover’: while I was tired enough when I got home at 2am to fall asleep, I was wired enough that I tossed and turned, woke up numerous times, and haven’t been able to drift back off to sleep since the last time I woke up at about 6:30am. I’m exhausted, but my one-year-caffeine-deprived body’s obviously having a field day with Coke.

Ugh. Unpleasant. I’m just hoping that it wears through by this afternoon so I can flake out for a nap at some point. Failing that…well, I can be damn sure that I’m going to pass right out tonight.