Seven Tricks of Breaking Free from Garri Addiction



Hi, my name is Esther… and I am a garri addict.

There, I said it. They say the first step to recovery is admitting you have a problem. Well, mine has always been simple: the moment I hear cold water splashing on garri, sugar and groundnut grinning on top, my self-control takes annual leave.

I whisper to myself, “Just one cup.” But before I know it, I’ve licked the bowl clean and I’m negotiating with my conscience for round two.

If you’ve ever found yourself in this hopeless cycle, congratulations. You’re not alone. And for the sake of our collective deliverance, I have put together seven tried-and-tested tricks to help us break free from garri addiction.

Trick 1: Avoid Garri Friends.

You know them. The ones who stroll into class with kuli-kuli in their pockets, or that neighbor who always stocks Peak milk like it’s an investment. They are not your friends. They are stumbling blocks, agents of relapse. If you must, block them on WhatsApp until your healing is complete.

Trick 2: Replace The Habit.

Psychologists recommend replacing a bad habit with a healthier one. So instead of garri, you can try cornflakes, golden morn, or pap. But be warned: while your body may heal, your bank account will fall sick. Sometimes it’s a trade-off between survival and solvency.

Trick 3: Don’t Keep Garri At Home.

This one is crucial. If garri is sitting in your kitchen, no motivational quote can save you. You’ll hear it whispering your name at 11 pm. Relocate the sack to your enemy’s house if you must. Out of sight, out of soak.

Trick 4: Change Environment.

Sometimes, it’s not you — it’s your environment. Living in a hostel where fried groundnut is always perfuming the air is a death trap. Relocate to a safer zone where temptations are minimal. Perhaps your uncle’s house, where they only eat yam porridge and coconut rice.

Trick 5: Distract Yourself.

When the cravings come like thunder, don’t give in. Drink water. Scroll TikTok. Watch YouTube videos titled “10 Ways to Be Rich Without Garri.” If that fails, chew gum until your jaw forgets the crunch of soaked garri.

Trick 6: Confess Your Struggles.

Healing loves honesty. Call a trusted friend and say, “Forgive me, I soaked garri at 2 am again.” If possible, create a WhatsApp group called Ex-Garri Anonymous. There’s power in confession. Together, you’ll encourage each other through withdrawals and relapse.

Trick 7: Reward Yourself.

If you survive one whole week without garri, celebrate. Buy shawarma, ice cream, or suya. And if your “reward” somehow ends up being a small bowl of garri… at least you tried. Progress is progress.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, maybe it’s not really about us breaking free from garri. Maybe it’s about garri breaking free… into our hearts, our bowls, and our destinies.

So, my fellow addicts, may your bowls be ever cold, your groundnut ever crunchy, and your milk never finish halfway. Amen. 😅
I'm a weaver of words. With my pen as my loom, I craft my imaginations into reality.

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