Addiction, Recovery Forum - Compulsive sponge eating

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Q: Compulsive sponge eating - Pica

asked by: vintagecardigan on August 5th, 2009

New User

For as long as I can remember I have suffered strong Pica cravings for substances such as sponge, cushion stuffing and (to a considerably lesser degree) small scraps of fabric. Recently these cravings have sharply increased in both strength and frequency, I am not pregnant and can find no other explanation for these cravings- even after quite extensive research.
To my knowledge I have never suffered from anaemia, however I do have a relatively low blood pressure (resulting in dizziness, lightheadedness etc.) although I do not know whether this is connected.
I am sixteen and have thus far suffered no adverse effects from prolonged consumption of the aforementioned non-food substances other than an irregular and extremely heavy menstrual cycle (which is easily attributable to my age)and also occasional stomach pains (particularly when large quantities of sponge/cushion stuffing have been consumed.)
This behaviour is obviously abnormal, however I cannot yet ascertain to what degree it is so, and whether it presents any immediate danger to my physical well-being. injestion of organic non-food substances is, I know, a considerably more common disorder, and also entails more obvious health dangers. However I have only ever suffered Pica cravings for the aforementioned man-made non-food substances and when consumed they are always clean and free of any dirt/organic matter.
My question is: To what degree could this consumption potentially damage my physical health? And to what can the commencement of this obvious disorder be attributed?

Users who thank vintagecardigan for this post: megancasting

Replies(5)

deteragram

replied on August 6th, 2009

Supporter

The main problem with your type of pica is the possibility of a blockage in your stomach or intestines. The stomach cannot break down those foreign materials as well as it breaks down food items.
There is no way to know what has caused the onset of this. My only suggestion is that you mention this to your doctor and have him or her give you a thorough once over and do blood work to find out if you are deficient in any vitamins or minerals or if there is an underlying medical condition.
Also, you have no idea what chemicals or other things are in the cushion or on the fabrics that you eat. They could be toxic. All toxins do not cause immediate problems. Sometimes, they can build up in the body for a long time before they cause any danger. By then it is much harder to treat and reverse the damage.
Please get some help for your disorder as soon as possible.

candycane22

replied on August 28th, 2009

New User

Sponge Eating

I'm so glad to read that someone has the same problem as me, I have been eating sponge on and off for years. I don't know what the obsession is about it, I just like the taste..I feel it would be very embarrassing to try and talk to a doctor about this, but it seems this or weaning myself off it are the only options. I would love to just find out why?

dointhemost

replied on October 27th, 2009

New User

Eating sponge confession

I am also so glad to hear that someone else eats sponge! Whew! I thought I was some kind of freak!!! It started when I was pregnant. I would crave carpet. I thought it would feel good against my tongue (i know that is weird) but since carpet is undigestable (even more than sponge) i started licking the scrubber side of a sponge to ease the craving. Then I chewed the scrubber then, the sponge because I needed the fulfilling of actual consumption. I noticed if I take my vitamins regularly, I can actually control my cravings but if I'm off vitamins for a few days, I'm on a mad hunt for the next piece of sponge I can find. I hope we don't hurt ourselves.

Users who thank dointhemost for this post: vintagecardigan

r_mona

replied on November 6th, 2009

New User

I always felt ashamed of eating sponge, i thought i was the only one. I cant remember when i started, all i know is that i was always wating it throughout my high school years. It got to the point where my mom threw out all sponge in my pillows(what was left of it anyway). I dont know if my sponge eating habbit caused this but i had to have Laparoscopic gallbladder surgery for gallstones. I was getting really sharp pains in my stomach and upper back. The pain was sooo intense that i passed out and was taken to the emergency room. I had my surgery that same day. Im not gna lie and say that i dont eat sponge any more, because theres times when i still crave it. My mouth becomes filled with saliva, and i can almost feel the sensation of the sponge in my throat. Thank god i have no sponge material here at home, it helps a lot to get self control. I advise anyone reading this that we can over come this, we need to be strong, and not be ashamed. You already took the first step by getting more information. Good luck to you all!

Plumi

replied yesterday 16:04

New User

sponge eater too

I have also been a sponge eater for years, at least 20..i love the smell, the feeling on my tongue and swallowing it..i have tried to stop this dispicable habit but i cant seem to control myself- even going food shopping can be a nightmare, i buy washing up sponges to feed my habit...if anyone has succeeded in giving it up pls let us know what worked for you..i cant imagine what damage it has caused to my body already. I did tell my doctor about it, but he didnt take it seriously and just sent me away with anti-depressants...i am not depressed, i am a very happy person

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