If it's caffeine that you need, there are plenty of alternate sources that have few calories. The 5 Hour Energy Shot uses mostly B vits & and 8oz cup of coffee's worth of caffeine. It has only 4 calories & no sugar. I gave up soda almost 7 yrs ago. I was raised on the stuff, never denied it. Even learned to love diet everytime my mom went on a diet (diet pepsi floats were common for my & my siblings). But as I got older & bigger (obese) I was drinking straight diet soda b/c the amount of sugar in a regular soda would make me sick/headache/needing to lie down. In 2003 I finally asked myself what was the point of drinking diet soda? There's nothing beneficial coming from it & carbonation leeches calcium from your bones. So I gave it up cold turkey. I love tea so I used that as my substitute. First it was the flavored teas but after about 2yrs I started watering them down, so now I drink black/green & a few other teas lightly sweetened w/ Splenda. I realized the importance of water so I predominately drink water aside from my caffeine drinks (SF Red Bull - I don't advise going that route, coffee & hot black tea). Good luck & just remember, 1 step at a time. Soda is so engrained in our society that it's not easy to stop for most. Just don't give up ; )