In all seriousness, though, you should talk to a doctor about this. You're not alone. This isn't what I'd call normal, exactly, but it's certainly not unheard of.
What kind of charcoal is it? It's worth noting that activated charcoal is NOT the same as the charcoal used for grilling, and I don't think you're really supposed to eat activated charcoal regularly anyway. If it's from a pharmacy and it says "activated charcoal" or "activated carbon" on it, it's activated charcoal. If it's for grilling, it's regular charcoal. If you're taking any medication, it will likely be adsorbed by the activated charcoal. I don't know if activated charcoal will prevent you from absorbing certain nutrients, or what the effect of eating activated charcoal regularly is.
Like I said earlier, talk to a doctor about this. A doctor will be able to tell you whether eating activated carbon will cause any long term problems. Generally, eating non-food items on a regular basis can be a cause for concern, because if you can't digest them, they can cause bowel obstructions or bezoars. If you see a doctor, you can find out if those things are concerns.
It cut off part of my comment, for some reason. I want to add that while I don't have pica, I've struggled with other addictive, compulsive behaviours, such as trichotillomania (compulsively pulling my hair out; I used to have a bald spot because of it). I know it's not the same, but I can identify with how difficult it can be to stop doing something that other people wouldn't consider doing in the first place, as well as how unhelpful it is when people demand that you stop cold turkey.
Also, a therapist or psychiatrist specialising in pica may be able to help you reduce your intake.
No problem! I still have it, but it's a lot better than it used to be. My therapist helped me with some coping techniques, like keeping other things around to fidget with and wearing a hat, and antidepressants for anxiety also help. I catch myself pulling sometimes, but I don't have a bald spot anymore.
Is it normal that I eat charcoal straight out the bag?
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In all seriousness, though, you should talk to a doctor about this. You're not alone. This isn't what I'd call normal, exactly, but it's certainly not unheard of.
What kind of charcoal is it? It's worth noting that activated charcoal is NOT the same as the charcoal used for grilling, and I don't think you're really supposed to eat activated charcoal regularly anyway. If it's from a pharmacy and it says "activated charcoal" or "activated carbon" on it, it's activated charcoal. If it's for grilling, it's regular charcoal. If you're taking any medication, it will likely be adsorbed by the activated charcoal. I don't know if activated charcoal will prevent you from absorbing certain nutrients, or what the effect of eating activated charcoal regularly is.
Like I said earlier, talk to a doctor about this. A doctor will be able to tell you whether eating activated carbon will cause any long term problems. Generally, eating non-food items on a regular basis can be a cause for concern, because if you can't digest them, they can cause bowel obstructions or bezoars. If you see a doctor, you can find out if those things are concerns.
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VioletTrees
11 years ago
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It cut off part of my comment, for some reason. I want to add that while I don't have pica, I've struggled with other addictive, compulsive behaviours, such as trichotillomania (compulsively pulling my hair out; I used to have a bald spot because of it). I know it's not the same, but I can identify with how difficult it can be to stop doing something that other people wouldn't consider doing in the first place, as well as how unhelpful it is when people demand that you stop cold turkey.
Also, a therapist or psychiatrist specialising in pica may be able to help you reduce your intake.
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candyG117
11 years ago
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Thank you so much for the advice, but if you dont mind me asking, do you still have trichotillomania or has someone helped you get out of it?
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Glittzyscot29
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VioletTrees
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Hi, do you still eat charcoal?x
No problem! I still have it, but it's a lot better than it used to be. My therapist helped me with some coping techniques, like keeping other things around to fidget with and wearing a hat, and antidepressants for anxiety also help. I catch myself pulling sometimes, but I don't have a bald spot anymore.