I would suggest Michael Pollan's Audible short on caffeine. He summarizes some history about the spread of coffee and coffee bean commerce throughout Europe ov

I would suggest Michael Pollan's Audible short on caffeine. He summarizes some history about the spread of coffee and coffee bean commerce throughout Europe over several hundred years, as well as his experience giving it up cold turkey for a few months while he wrote the book. Also had some interesting hypotheses about the extent to which the molecule has reshaped societies. My experiments in quitting / reducing caffeine were similar to his, mainly that the benefits of caffeine are probably greater than the costs (depending on the individual). I've reduced my consumption by switching to half decaf and now when I feel like it, I can rekindle that euphoria by opting for a strong espresso drink. I notice more the anxiety that too much caffeine can cause, but I also am more mindful of the simple pleasure that comes with a coffee that I enjoy almost every day. As far as mind altering substances go, coffee may have some of the least guilt or lowest consequences from being enjoyed.