Cold turkey - Definition and Overview

"Cold turkey" is a term describing the actions of a person who gives up his habit or addiction at a single moment, rather than through gradually easing the process through tapering off or supplemental medication. The term allegedly derives from the comparison of a cold turkey carcass and the state of a withdrawing addict. It is often preceded by the word 'going', as 'going cold turkey'.

Going cold turkey can be life threatening to long-time alcoholics and thus is not an appropriate method for breaking an alcohol addiction. In the case of most other drugs it is extremely unpleasant, but not actually dangerous.

See also

• Withdrawal