<P> "Cold turkey" refers to the abrupt cessation of a substance dependence and the resulting unpleasant experience, as opposed to gradually easing the process through reduction over time or by using replacement medication . The term comes from the piloerection or "goose bumps" that occurs with abrupt withdrawal from opioids, which resembles the skin of a plucked refrigerated turkey . </P> <P> Sudden withdrawal from drugs such as alcohol, benzodiazepines, and barbiturates can be extremely dangerous, leading to potentially fatal seizures . For long - term alcoholics, going cold turkey can cause life - threatening delirium tremens, rendering this an inappropriate method for breaking an alcohol addiction . </P>

Where did the saying quitting cold turkey come from