What is the Meaning of Cold Turkey? Unpacking a Peculiar Phrase

The peculiar phrase “cold turkey” is used to describe the abrupt cessation of a habit or addiction. But where does this weird expression come from, and what exactly does it mean? Let’s break down the origins and usage of this common idiom

A Brief History of Cold Turkey

The first known use of “cold turkey” in the modern sense dates back to 1921, in a British Columbian newspaper referring to drug withdrawal But the phrase itself is much older

In the 19th century, “talking turkey” meant speaking frankly or plainly. “Cold turkey” likely originated as a variant of this, combining “cold” (meaning direct or straightforward) with “turkey” (meaning plain talk).

An early usage appears in a 1910 novel by Robert W. Service, referring to losing a sum of money “cold turkey.” By the 1920s, the phrase had evolved to mean abrupt withdrawal from drugs or alcohol.

The “cold” may refer to the clammy skin and “goosebumps” of withdrawal. Or it might simply mean quitting something outright without tapering off. The “turkey” is believed to come from “talking turkey,” an older phrase.

What Does It Mean to Go Cold Turkey?

In current usage, “going cold turkey” or “quitting cold turkey” means:

• Stopping a habit, addiction, or medication abruptly instead of gradually

• Enduring the difficult, painful symptoms of sudden withdrawal

It’s most commonly used for:

• Quitting recreational drugs like alcohol, nicotine, opioids

• Getting off medications like antidepressants or sedative-hypnotics

• Stopping addictive behaviors like gambling or overeating

Trying to go cold turkey with certain drugs can be dangerous or even life-threatening due to severe withdrawal effects. But for milder addictions, it may be a reasonable approach for some people.

The term can also be used in a more lighthearted sense, like quitting coffee or social media “cold turkey.”

Cold Turkey Withdrawal Symptoms

Withdrawal symptoms depend on the substance, but may include:

Alcohol: Shaking, sweating, rapid heart rate, nausea, anxiety, seizures

Nicotine: Irritability, anxiety, depression, trouble sleeping, increased appetite

Opioids: Muscle aches, abdominal pain, nausea, anxiety, goosebumps, diarrhea

Antidepressants: Flu-like symptoms, insomnia, nausea, dizziness, irritability

Benzodiazepines: Anxiety, seizures, tremors, nausea, depression, derealization

Symptoms are usually worst between 1-3 days after stopping, then gradually improve over a week or several weeks. Psychological cravings may persist longer.

For heavy/long-term use of certain substances, medically-supervised detox can help manage severe symptoms.

Pros and Cons of Quitting Cold Turkey

Pros:

• Avoids a gradual tapering process

• May be more effective for some due to decisive, definitive action

• Stops acute withdrawal symptoms sooner

• No need to carefully plan a tapering schedule

Cons:

• Acute withdrawal symptoms may be more severe

• Higher risk of relapse during painful withdrawal period

• Potentially dangerous with alcohol, benzodiazepines, barbiturates

• May not address underlying issues driving the addiction

• Symptoms like depression or insomnia may linger longer

Quitting cold turkey takes willpower and tolerance for discomfort. It’s not for everyone. But with lower-risk substances, it can be a reasonable approach.

Tips for Quitting Cold Turkey

If attempting to quit cold turkey:

• Pick a start day and commit fully to it

• Get rid of all supplies/paraphernalia beforehand

• Tell friends/family for support

• Stay busy and active to distract from cravings

• Stay hydrated and eat healthy

• Treat symptoms like headache, nausea, insomnia

• Join a support group like NA/AA

• Seek counseling or therapy if needed

• Avoid triggering people/places/activities initially

• Be prepared for psychological symptoms like depression

• Don’t give up! Cravings typically peak within 1-3 days

The Bottom Line

While the origins of “cold turkey” are a bit murky, the phrase clearly captures the chilly abruptness of sudden withdrawal from an addictive substance or behavior. Quitting cold turkey can be a viable approach but also grueling. Having support, distractions, and wise expectations can help weather the difficult initial days and weeks.