What is Cold Turkey? Definition & Quitting Guide

Cold Turkey represents stopping nicotine use immediately without aids, offering one pathway toward nicotine freedom. This approach relies entirely on willpower and motivation without pharmacological support, providing a specific mechanism for overcoming nicotine dependence. Research has shown that 4-7% success rate at 6 months per Cochrane Review, giving you evidence-based information about what to expect if you choose this method.

When considering Cold Turkey as part of your quit strategy, it is important to understand both its strengths and limitations. highly motivated individuals with strong support systems, suggesting that individual factors matter in selecting a quit approach. There is no single "best" way to quit that works for everyone—successful cessation often involves trying multiple strategies, learning from each attempt, and finding the combination of methods that works for your unique situation. What matters most is not which method you choose, but that you make a serious quit attempt with proper support and resources.

Cold Turkey is relevant to your quit journey because relies entirely on willpower and motivation without pharmacological support. highly motivated individuals with strong support systems. When planning your quit attempt, consider whether Cold Turkey matches your needs, preferences, and previous experiences with quitting. Remember that combining multiple approaches often works better than relying on a single method—for example, using both medication and behavioral counseling produces better outcomes than either alone.

• Cold Turkey is stopping nicotine use immediately without aids
• 4-7% success rate at 6 months per Cochrane Review
• Works by: relies entirely on willpower and motivation without pharmacological support
• highly motivated individuals with strong support systems
• Can be combined with other cessation strategies for better results

Using Cold Turkey as part of your quit strategy directly improves your health by helping you stop using tobacco and nicotine products. 4-7% success rate at 6 months per Cochrane Review, demonstrating that this approach helps many people successfully quit. The health benefits of cessation begin immediately and continue to accumulate over time—within minutes to hours, your body begins recovering from nicotine exposure, and within months to years, your risk for serious diseases decreases substantially.

• Consider if Cold Turkey matches your situation since highly motivated individuals with strong support systems
• Combine Cold Turkey with other evidence-based strategies for maximum success
• Set a specific quit date before implementing Cold Turkey
• Get support from quitlines, counselors, or support groups while using Cold Turkey
• Remember that 4-7% success rate at 6 months per Cochrane Review—your chances of success are significant