How to Quit Coffee

By Michael R. Eades, M.D. and Mary Dan Eades, M.D.

An easy way to reduce your caffeine intake is to mix your full-strength coffee (tea or cola beverage) half and half with a decaffeinated version for a couple of days. Then mix one part full caf with two parts decaf for a couple of days. Then mix one part caf with three parts decaf for a couple of days. Then mix one part caf with four parts decaf. By the end of the week, you’ll be off caffeine.

Another option is to drink espresso, which contrary to its high-octane reputation has only about half the caffeine per single serving as drip, perked, or pressed coffee. Going from drip to espresso or café Americano (hot water plus espresso) instantly cuts your caffeine load in half. From there you can move to half-caf espresso and then to decaf espresso. If you’re a coffee lover, you’ll be delighted with the full-bodied taste of decaf espresso versus the drip stuff. If you’re unfamiliar with café Americano, visit any Starbucks or your favorite coffee bar, where you’ll find it on the menu. Or visit our website at