I haven't had my daily espresso for two months because of health issues. Didn't get withdrawal symptoms, but I have to walk by the espressomaker just to smell the scent of the coffee. That's enough for me...
A real turnoff (and a cultural clash) is the way they serve coffee here in the U.S. Oversized "to-go" cups with lids. I mean part of the experience is watching those beautiful images that will appear from the crema in an appropriately sized cup. That's part of the otherness, I suppose.