Why It Is Hard to Stop Drinking Coffee – The 7000 Steps Journey

Three years ago, if you had asked anyone on our team about coffee, we wouldn’t have had much to say. It wasn’t that we disliked it—we just didn’t drink it. None of us had backgrounds in coffee, and, to be honest, we barely knew the difference between Arabica and Robusta.

At 7000 Steps, we are a team of nine, and before stepping into coffee, we came from very different industries. Khraw, Kevin, and Baphi were part of Muezart, working with Eri silk. Bipul, Bikash, Preety, and Augustine came from Zizira, a company focused on spices. For Daniel and Shaphrang, this was their first job. So, when we transitioned to 7000 Steps, there was a big question looming over us: How do we get into coffee when we don’t even drink it?

The "Guess the Cup" Game

To bridge this gap, we started a simple yet hilarious morning ritual—“Guess the Cup.” Every morning, during our huddle, Baphi would brew a different cup of coffee and serve it to the team. The challenge? Taste it, try to identify the flavors, and guess the blend. It was an eye-opening experience. At first, we were completely lost.

“Is this fruity?”

“I think it’s bitter... or maybe sour?”

“I have no idea, but I like it.”

Tasting coffee and identifying its flavors was way harder than we thought. But over time, we started developing our palates. After multiple coffee training sessions and countless cups, we finally learned how to taste coffee properly.

Now, three years later, we don’t play “Guess the Cup” anymore—but we can’t stop drinking coffee.

So, Why Is It Hard to Stop Drinking Coffee?

We started as non-coffee drinkers, and now, most of us can’t go a day without it. So, we had to ask: why?

The obvious answer: Caffeine.

Caffeine is a stimulant that affects the central nervous system, increasing alertness and reducing fatigue. When you consume coffee regularly, your body adjusts to the presence of caffeine, and suddenly, that morning cup becomes more of a necessity than a choice.

But it’s not just the caffeine. Coffee drinking is also a ritual—a break from work, a moment to gather thoughts, or a reason to sit down and chat. In our case, it was also about curiosity, learning, and developing our skills. What started as a fun exercise turned into a habit, and now, we appreciate coffee not just for the boost it gives but for the flavors, craftsmanship, and stories behind every cup.

The Science Behind Caffeine Addiction

Caffeine works by blocking adenosine, a neurotransmitter responsible for promoting sleep and relaxation. Normally, adenosine builds up throughout the day, making you feel drowsy. But caffeine binds to adenosine receptors, preventing this from happening, which keeps you awake and alert. This is why your morning coffee makes you feel more energetic.

However, with regular consumption, your brain compensates by creating more adenosine receptors. This means you need more caffeine to achieve the same level of wakefulness, leading to dependence. When you suddenly stop drinking coffee, your body experiences withdrawal symptoms like headaches, fatigue, and irritability—making it even harder to quit.

The Inevitable Hook

So here we are, a team that once knew nothing about coffee, now completely hooked. And honestly? We wouldn’t have it any other way. Coffee is no longer just a drink for us—it’s part of who we are at 7000 Steps.

So, if you ever wonder why it’s hard to stop drinking coffee, just ask us. We’ll answer—while sipping on another cup.