Steem Inspiration: Freedom at last

Hello everyone. When we hear of addictions, our minds automatically go to drugs, alcohol, sex etc. But there are so many other addictions and each of them are deadly. I happen to be an addict of calabar chalk (also called edible clay) and this is my story.

Research has termed calabar chalk eating as a mental disorder called geophagy (eating of soil) which is broadly termed Pica (the eating of substances with no nutritional value such as soil, ice, hair etc). The eating of soil especially calabar has been found to be more common among people of colour, apparently it is linked to culture. Though a more scientific cause is a deficiency in iron. Which is why geophagy is common in children and women who lose blood and iron in the process often.

Growing up as a young female, my mother did her best to warn me about calabar chalk and it's negative effects. At a tender age, I could recognise it and reject it. But adolescence came and curiosity followed.

I first got a taste of it due to my benchmate when I was 13 years old. I knew it was bad for me thanks to my mother's advice. But my young mind wondered, "If it is so bad for women, why do I see many girls eating it?" I ate the forbidden item and I liked it. Since I knew it was wrong, a cloud of shame followed me as I started consuming it in hiding. As if it's wonderful ability to have taste and no taste simultaneously was not enough to get me hooked, it was readily available and affordable. A single piece cost 25frs so my allowance permitted me to indulge in my guilty pleasure.

Like any addiction, it started slowly and increased gradually till a point where it was uncontrollable. There were times I did not eat food for two days straight because I'm consuming only calabar.

Seven years later and the addiction still lived stronger than ever. Each time I tried to quit, I found myself relapsing continuously. At this point, the damage done to my body is extensive. I have grown extremely weak which includes weak bones - calabar prevents your body from absorbing iron. I'm always experiencing fatigue no matter how long i sleep. Gaining weight is almost impossible. I have trouble breathing and cannot do strenous activities due to a very low blood count. In summary, I have developed moderately severe iron deficiency anaemia. Who knows what else I've developed along the way?

But these consequences did not reduced the craving. Rather, I consumed it while feeling self loathing. I got tired of destroying myself. Despite the cravings, I decided to fight for control over my life back. I discovered that just cutting it out didn't work. So the strategy I'm currently using is to drink Soyabeans milk whenever I feel triggered to eat calabar chalk. I also stay away from stores that sell it. So far so good. Soyabeans also happens to be a good source of protein and iron so I am killing three birds with one stone; getting rid of my addiction, gaining weight, and getting the iron I clearly lack. It is a constant battle and the support I have from my friends and family are what keep me determined.

To those suffering from this addiction and others, speak up. It is never too late to turn your life around. I am @rosita-nkefor and this is my story.

@saxopedia @thegreens @blaisebass1 @fombae @nackasnelson @craxywriter @majerius