Man sent to de-addiction centre ends up eating spoons and toothbrushes

In a rare and alarming case, a 35-year-old man from Hapur, Uttar Pradesh, underwent emergency surgery after doctors discovered dozens of spoons, toothbrushes, and pens lodged inside his stomach.

- Biswajeet Banerjee

The patient, identified as Sachin, was admitted to a local de-addiction centre by his family in the hope of freeing him from substance abuse. Instead of recovering, he developed a bizarre and dangerous habit that nearly cost him his life.

Doctors said Sachin became increasingly agitated after being admitted to the facility, where food was limited and strict restrictions were imposed on what his family could send him. Frustrated by the conditions, he began swallowing nonfood objects such as broken steel spoons, toothbrushes, and pens. He reportedly used water to force the items down his throat.