I, too, just recently started drinking coffee. I never understood the big deal before..I casually drank coffee but not to the point where i NEEDED it. Ever since I've had to start getting up at 3am for work, I have to make a pot of coffee and literally drink just about the whole thing before I leave (Big cup, lots of ice, drink it fast). Only then did I start noticing the differences on the mornings where I got up too late and didn't have the time to make any. I would jsut be so lethargic and unmotivated and just generally crappy feeling all over. Now I make sure I get up early enough to make some.
yup coffee 24/7 works for me too..i like tea as well but additionally to my coffee routine. i once tried to replace coffee with tea for breakfast...and it didnt work that good....
I drink several cups of coffee every morning and have never experienced anything like the OP described.