Cold turkey
Cold turkey
Cold turkey (/koʊld ˈtɜːrki/) is a term originating from the English language, used to describe the abrupt cessation of a substance dependency and the subsequent withdrawal period. The etymology of the term is unclear, but it is believed to have originated in the mid-20th century.
Definition
The term "cold turkey" is often used in the context of drug addiction, particularly in relation to substances such as nicotine, alcohol, opioids, and benzodiazepines. It refers to the sudden discontinuation of the substance, often without medical supervision or the use of pharmacotherapy to manage withdrawal symptoms.
Symptoms
The symptoms of going "cold turkey" can vary depending on the substance involved, but often include physical discomfort, anxiety, insomnia, and intense cravings for the substance. In some cases, particularly with substances such as alcohol and benzodiazepines, abrupt discontinuation can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms such as delirium tremens or seizures, which can be life-threatening.
Related Terms
- Withdrawal: The physical and psychological symptoms that occur after stopping or reducing intake of a substance.
- Detoxification: The process of removing toxic substances or qualities.
- Rehabilitation: The act of restoring someone to health or normal life through training and therapy after addiction.
- Relapse: A deterioration in someone's state of health after a temporary improvement.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Cold turkey
- Wikipedia's article - Cold turkey
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