Actually I'm having my kick-start morning coffee -- being utterly confused if I try and skip it -- and read about a curious fact: Scientists find coffee really is addictive. What do you know!

« Don't be surprised if missing that cup of morning coffee gives you a headache or makes it difficult to concentrate at work. It's all part of caffeine withdrawal, say Johns Hopkins University researchers who released a study that could result in the official classification of the condition as a mental disorder.

In the most comprehensive review and analysis of the effects of caffeine abstinence in humans published to date, the researchers conclude that as little as one small cup of coffee daily can produce caffeine addiction.

In general, the more caffeine consumed, the more severe withdrawal symptoms will be, with some people even reporting depression, nausea, vomiting or muscle pain. »

What can I say, alarming news. But as I continue reading, I feel like my mind blurs again: "Joseph DeRupo, a spokesman for the National Coffee Association, said the average American coffee drinker consumes 3.4 cups a day. DeRupo said the scientific evidence is that caffeine is not an addictive substance, however. Altering the coffee-drinking routine is what produces problems, researchers found."

Ermm, so the culprit it's not caffeine itself. It's the habit of drinking highly caffeinated liquids that's addictive. I don't quite understand this breakthrough finding -- I think I need more coffee.