Why It’s So Hard To Quit Drugs Cold Turkey?

Published on: 13 April 2021 Last Updated on: 26 December 2025

The endurings of life in modern society have made it common for people to develop addictions to drugs and alcohol. It all starts with one drink, one puff, or one sniff to get over a bad mood or event. Before you know it, several months down the line, you’ve lost everything.

Fortunately, some people get to a point where they feel they’ve simply had enough of drug or alcohol abuse. Now, they are ready to make the changes to get over the addiction.

However, some people choose to cold turkey. But, there are several side effects of going cold turkey on drugs.

In this article, we look into the cold turkey approach of quitting, what it means, why it’s so hard, and the risks it poses to the addict. If you want to find a rehab center to help you quit using drugs, you can learn more here.

Quit Cold Turkey To Get Over Addiction

Some people choose to go cold turkey. They feel that it’s easier to stop using their substance of choice rather than to get off it gradually. While ambition and dedication to recovery are powerful on their own, they are simply not enough to overcome withdrawal symptoms.

Quitting substance abuse cold turkey is very difficult and can impose significant risks. It becomes extremely difficult when your body develops a certain level of dependence on the drug; it’s difficult to quit.

What Does It Mean To Quit Cold Turkey?

The term ‘cold turkey’ comes from one of the withdrawal symptoms of quitting substance use. Sometimes, a person may get goosebumps that look like the skin of a plucked turkey after they cut themselves off their drug of choice.

As such, quitting drugs ‘cold turkey’ means putting an abrupt stop to drugs and alcohol use.

Most approaches are done at home without medical assistance or intervention.

People who use this technique do so in the belief that it will be easier to stop using the substance immediately. Some believe that if they disassociate themselves from the drug entirely, they will feel less compelled to start using it again.

For others, detoxing at home is the most convenient method because they don’t have medical insurance and are unable to afford treatment services.

As painful and uncomfortable the experience might be, they believe they can do it on their own without the need for specialized drug addiction treatment. Another reason for going cold turkey is that the addict prefers to do it in a familiar environment where they can feel safer and supported by friends and family.

However, quitting cold turkey should not be mistaken for detoxification. Detox is a slow process of clearing drugs from the body in a safe and controlled setting.

Detoxing allows the body enough time to purge physical cravings and the freedom to go through several uncomfortable feelings and changes brought about by the body breaking free of the drug.

Why Quitting Cold Turkey Is So Hard?

If you’re trying to quit drugs, cold turkey may seem like a fast and easy option at first. You get to go through the process privately at home without subjecting yourself to judgment or scrutiny from people.

However, the technique is very difficult to do. Factors that make it hard include:

Withdrawal symptoms.
Intense cravings.
The drug of choice.
The level of addiction.
Co-occurring mental health conditions.

The Addicted Phase

If you’re addicted to alcohol or a particular drug, your body has likely developed an undesirable mental and physical dependency on the substance. At this point, both your brain and body need those chemicals to sustain a level of equilibrium.

Withdrawal Symptoms

Once you go cold turkey, your body begins to try and go back to its non-addicted state by purging itself of the drug or alcohol substances. This purging process produces intense withdrawal symptoms and physical cravings that can affect you emotionally, physically, and psychologically.

Examples of highly common physical and mental withdrawal symptoms include anxiety, nausea, depression, seizures, hallucinations, vomiting, mood imbalances, agitation, mental fog, insomnia, irregular heart rate, and changes in blood pressure.

Drug of Choice

The type of drug involved also makes it hard for the addict to recover from their addiction through the technique. The drug your body is dependent on will determine the withdrawal symptoms you experience and the degree of severity.

Level of Addiction

Drugs such as heroin and benzos are highly addictive, and experts recommend that addicts of these drugs refrain from using the approach since they can lead to highly dangerous withdrawal symptoms.

Co-occurring Mental Health Condition

The co-occurring mental health condition of the addict can also complicate drug withdrawal and can lead to a highly unpredictable behavioral response from the addict.

The severity of the addiction also makes it difficult for addicts to achieve success from the method. The degree of dependence on a drug, as well as the amount of time you use the drug, will determine how your body and brain will respond to being cut off.

Simply put, the more severe the addiction, the more intense the withdrawal symptoms will be.

Is It Safe To Quit Cold Turkey?

Quitting cold turkey may not be the safest or most effective approach to staying sober, especially for people who have developed a dependency on a particular substance. Quitting too soon can cause uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms and a strong urge to resume substance abuse.

In certain cases, the withdrawal symptoms can be so severe that they cause life-threatening medical conditions such as seizures and heart problems, as explained earlier in this article. Even substances that pose a low risk of addiction, such as nicotine, can cause highly unpleasant withdrawal symptoms.

This is not to say that quitting cold turkey cannot be successful. The technique can be highly effective with the right support system and the rate at which the addict can overcome the withdrawal symptoms.

Withdrawal symptoms last for varying lengths, and some people can get past the withdrawal period faster than those who decide to quit gradually. But if a person is addicted to potentially harmful drugs such as meth or heroin, cold turkey may not be the best idea.

Risks You May Face If You Go Cold Turkey

There are addiction-specific risks you should be aware of if you are going cold turkey. The common ones would include –

Smoking

Smoking cold turkey doesn’t have any direct and significant withdrawal symptoms. When someone abruptly decides to quit smoking cold turkey, they won’t face any life-threatening symptoms.

However, people quitting smoking cold turkey have a lower success rate than people quitting with external support. But, the nicotine withdrawal symptoms you get from quitting smoking cold turkey are difficult to cope with.

Alcohol & Cold Turkey

Alcohol cold turkey can be really difficult. It leads the person who’s quitting alcohol to serious health risks under certain conditions. Sometimes, the effects can be life-threatening. The most serious form of alcohol cold turkey is delirium tremens.

This is something that leads the person who’s quitting alcohol into rapid onsets of extreme levels of confusion. It also meddles with how their brain regulates blood circulation and breathing.

It is common for people to do cold turkey on alcohol to get DTs within 48 hours of quitting the drink. Also, this can last for 5 days straight. They can experience severe levels of confusion and extreme levels of hyperactivity. Loss of consciousness, hallucination, fever, issues with sleeping, etc.

Drugs & Cold Turkey

Similar to quitting severe alcohol addictions, drug cold turkey can also have severe onsets of drug addiction withdrawal symptoms. It’s common for someone with a drug addiction to use more than one substance. Typically, these people use opioids, heroin, cocaine, and other stimulants.

But, if someone stops taking drugs abruptly, it’ll seem extremely serious life-threatening medical condition. These conditions include seizures, heart disease, dehydration, etc.

Drug Addiction Treatment:

Recovering from a drug or alcohol addiction is not an easy thing to do. But this doesn’t deter people from going cold turkey without any external help or medical intervention.

While it may seem like a fast and easy solution, a medically managed drug addiction treatment approach is highly recommended, drug addiction treatment centers is equipped with professionally trained staff who are committed to helping addicts recover and live a life of sobriety.

If you or someone you care about needs help with their addiction, get in touch with a professional drug addiction treatment facility to help you achieve a successful recovery altogether.

Soumava Goswami

A passionate writer and an avid reader, Soumava is academically inclined and loves writing on topics requiring deep research. Having 3+ years of experience, Soumava also loves writing blogs in other domains, including digital marketing, business, technology, travel, and sports.

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Health Insurance Policy For Family – Here’s A List Of 5 Plans You Can Consider

In our current time which is characterised by dynamic lifestyles and unforeseen health challenges, the significance of family health insurance plans cannot be overstated. These comprehensive policies not only provide financial security but also grant families access to high-quality healthcare, ensuring the well-being of their loved ones. In this article, we will explore the profound importance of family health insurance plans and delve into the five best family health insurance plans, empowering you to make informed decisions that safeguard the health and happiness of your family. The Power Of Comprehensive Protection Family health insurance plans hold immense significance as they serve as a robust shield of protection against the uncertainties of health-related challenges that can affect any member of your family. These plans offer comprehensive coverage that extends beyond mere financial security, encapsulating the emotional well-being and health of your loved ones. By pooling the collective health needs of your family under a single policy, family health insurance plans grant you the peace of mind that comes from knowing your family members are safeguarded against unexpected medical expenses. The significance of family health insurance plans lies in their ability to provide access to high-quality healthcare services. These plans often come with extensive networks of healthcare providers, ensuring that your family members can receive timely and appropriate medical attention. In a world where medical advancements are rapid and treatments are varied, these plans open doors to specialists, hospitals and clinics that offer specialised care, accurate diagnoses and effective treatments. Moreover, family health insurance plans underscore the importance of preventive care and early intervention. By covering a spectrum of preventive services, such as vaccinations, screenings and annual health check-ups, these plans promote a proactive approach to health management. This focus on prevention is not just a cost-saving measure but also a commitment to ensuring your family members' overall well-being by detecting potential health issues before they become major concerns. Access To Quality Healthcare One of the foremost advantages of family health insurance plans is the access they provide to high-quality healthcare services. These plans encompass a broad network of healthcare providers, including doctors, specialists, hospitals and clinics. This extensive network ensures that family members can receive timely medical attention from qualified professionals, which is essential for accurate diagnoses, effective treatments and proactive preventive care. Preventive Care And Early Intervention Family health insurance plans often emphasise the importance of preventive care and early intervention. Many policies cover a range of preventive services, such as diagnosis of diseases, routine check-ups, screenings and wellness programs. These services play a pivotal role in identifying potential health issues before they escalate into more severe conditions. By focusing on prevention, these plans not only promote better health outcomes but also contribute to reducing healthcare costs by addressing problems in their early stages, when they are more manageable and less expensive to treat. Financial Peace Of Mind The emotional well-being of your family members is intrinsically linked to their physical health. Family health insurance plans provide invaluable peace of mind, knowing that your loved ones are covered in times of medical emergencies or unexpected health concerns. This sense of security allows families to concentrate on the moments that matter most – fostering relationships, pursuing aspirations and embracing daily life – without the constant worry of potential financial strains due to unexpected healthcare costs. What Are The Crucial Needs Of A Family That Needs To Be Covered By Family Health Insurance? These plans are designed to offer a wide range of benefits, ensuring that your family's health and well-being are safeguarded against unexpected medical expenses. The benefits of this plan are as follows: Comprehensive Coverage One of the primary reasons these family health insurance plans are considered some of the best is the comprehensive coverage they offer. The plans cover a wide range of medical expenses, including hospitalisation, surgeries, doctor consultations, diagnostic tests and treatments. They also extend coverage to pre-hospitalisation and post-hospitalisation expenses, ensuring that your family is protected against various health-related contingencies. Family Floater Basis The plans operate on a family floater basis, allowing you to cover your entire family under a single roof. This feature is especially advantageous for families with multiple members, as the sum insured can be utilised by any family member as per their individual medical needs. This not only simplifies the management of insurance but also ensures that every family member has access to necessary medical care. Restoration Benefits Many of the family health insurance plans offer a unique restoration benefit, setting it apart from other insurance plans. If the sum insured is exhausted during the policy year due to claims, the plans automatically restore the entire sum insured amount for future hospitalisations. This invaluable feature ensures that your family's health coverage remains intact even in the face of successive medical events. Delivery And Maternity Expenses The policies provide coverage for maternity-related expenses, making them an excellent choice for families planning to expand. They cover pre-natal and post-natal expenses, childbirth-related expenses and medical care for the newborn. This feature addresses the significant medical costs associated with pregnancy and childbirth. Annual Health Check-ups Recognizing the importance of preventive care, the family health insurance plans offer annual health check-up benefits for family members covered under the policy. This encourages regular health screenings, early detection of potential health issues and proactive health management. No Claim Bonus For each claim-free year, many family health insurance policies offer a No-Claim Bonus (NCB) that increases the sum insured by a certain percentage, up to a specified limit. This rewards your family for maintaining good health prioritizing preventive care and not making any claim during a policy year. Day Care Procedures A good family health insurance policy is one that provides a sense of flexibility in its coverage. In addition to hospitalisations, many family health insurance plans cover daycare procedures as well, allowing your family members to receive necessary medical treatments without requiring extended hospitalisation. This feature ensures that your family has access to swift and effective treatments for various medical conditions. Emergency Ambulance Cover In case of medical emergencies, the family health insurance policies provide coverage for emergency ambulance services. This ensures timely transportation to the hospital when needed, eliminating any concerns about transportation costs during emergencies. Five Family Health Insurance Plans You Can Consider Based on the aforementioned benefits, to simplify your quest in picking the best family health insurance plan to safeguard your family, the following is the list of five plans offered by Star Health Insurance that you can consider: 1. Family Health Optima Insurance Plan The Family Health Optima Insurance Plan offered by Star Health Insurance is a comprehensive health insurance solution designed to secure the well-being of your entire family. This plan operates on a family floater basis, covering all family members under a single policy. It provides extensive coverage for hospitalisation, surgeries, doctor consultations and treatments. 2. Star Comprehensive Insurance Policy The Star Comprehensive Insurance Policy from Star Health Insurance is a robust health coverage solution tailored for families. This policy stands out with features like restoration of the sum insured, maternity and newborn cover, annual health check-ups, etc. This is the best-suited policy for a family of self, spouse and dependent children. 3. Star Women Care Insurance Policy This is a uniquely designed policy to cater to the needs of women in the family. This policy has a plethora of benefits including newborn cover, delivery expenses cover, mid-term inclusion, assisted reproduction treatment cover, etc. 4. Star Health Assure Insurance Policy This is the perfectly suited policy for a wide family that includes self, spouse, dependent children, parents and parents-in-law. With its enormous benefits and tailor-made features, this policy stands out in the crowd. Some of the unique coverage includes homecare treatment coverage, mid-term inclusion, automatic restoration of sum insured, newborn and delivery expenses coverage, etc. 5. Young Star Insurance Policy This is a unique policy for young families who have just started their family life. This policy is perfect for young couples. They can also add their dependent children in this policy as it offers coverage also in a floater basis. Conclusion Family health insurance plans represent more than just financial protection – they ensure a commitment to your family's health, well-being and security. By offering access to quality healthcare, promoting preventive care, providing financial peace of mind, offering flexibility and nurturing a culture of wellness, these plans play an integral role in shaping the present and future of your family's health journey. As you explore family health insurance options, you're not just investing in coverage; you're investing in the health and happiness of those who matter most. Read Also: Everything You Need To Know About Calcium In Water: By Experts What Is A Good Alternative To Wearing Dentures? 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How To Pick The Best Towels

Shopping for the right towel can be challenging especially with the wide range of brands available. Likewise, terms like 'gram count', Egyptian Cotton, or Turkish cotton can also be so confusing. You want something soft, absorbent, and durable to match your style too. In this article, we have compiled some guidelines and tips to help you make the right choice. Whether you want a luxurious or a standard towel for your home here is what you need to know. For more information, you can check this store in order to make an informed decision when shopping for towels. 1. Size: The sizes of this fabric vary, and this is an important factor to consider. The dimensions also determine the price of the fabric. You can choose between a standard bath towel or a bath sheet depending on your taste and preference. The standard option is a bit smaller, measuring about 27" x 52" inches. The bath sheet on the other hand is bigger, measuring around 35" x 60" inches. Nevertheless, if you just want something to dry up your hands or face, you can opt for a hard cloth or a washing sheet instead of a big towel. 2. Weight: The weight of the towels differs therefore, you should choose one to depend on its use. A lightweight towel of approximately 300-400 GSM would be perfect for the gym or kitchen. Similarly, a medium-weight towel weighing around 400-600 GSM is ideal for the beach. On the other hand, denser bath sheets are considered more absorbent than the lighter options, which makes them ideal for drying up after a shower. Typically, heavy-weight bath cloths are softer and luxurious than other fabrics but may take longer to dry up. 3. Color and style: The color you opt for narrows down to your style and décor. Bath sheets can be a good accessory to your bathroom décor, so consider stacking in blending colors. You may also choose a color based on the season. Bright colors for summer and spring, cooler shades for winter and fall. Popular hotels and spar prefer white colors to bring out a statement of class. Darker colors like black navy blue or dark chocolate are more appropriate if you have children. Choosing a darker color conceals and minimizes staining so you won't have to wash it unnecessarily. 4. Material: The best towels are made of pure cotton. Cotton offers a soft and thick texture needed for the best quality towel. It is also easy to clean and takes less time to dry up, unlike other fabrics. The denser the fabric the higher the absorbent qualities. On the other hand, materials like Turkish cotton are also an excellent choice when choosing a luxurious towel. Their extra-long threads trap more warmth and moisture, giving you an extra-plush feel. Another good material to consider is the new Zero Twist Technology cotton. Bath sheets created using this technology are extraordinarily lightweight, fluffy, and soft with a faster drying period. See this link to read more https://sewingiscool.com/best-fabrics-for-towels-most-absorbent/ 5. Softness: The best quality dryers have a soft and silky feel. Most bath sheets tend to be soft when new, but the softness fades after a few washes. This is because some manufactures include fabric softeners on the final product which provides a soft feel on your hand. Although liquid fabric softeners are effective, they reduce absorbency and increase flammability This is why you should be on the lookout. Bath dryers made of Egyptian or Turkish cotton are genuinely smooth and silky and more absorbent. Other materials to consider include Pima and rayon extracted from bamboo. 6. Durability: Buying a durable item saves your replacement expenses. The more durable the item is the lesser it is prone to wear and tear. Cotton is considered the most durable material than rayon and polyester. Also, a two-ply towel-like cotton/polyester is more long-lasting than a one-ply dryer. Nevertheless, they may not be as absorbent as the all-cotton. Conclusion: When choosing the right bath sheet, first consider the type of material. Towels made from pure cotton, Turkish cotton, Egyptian cotton, or those blend with cotton and rayon are soft, durable, and super absorbent. Also, the type you choose should blend well with your décor. Top performance dryers may be a bit expensive but worth investing in especially if you want to save money in the long run. Read Also: 9 Clothes Dryer Maintenance Tips How to Use Iron Clothes With Steam

Enhancing Spaces With Greenery: The Art Of Plant Styling In Interior Design

In the dynamic realm of design, a captivating trend has taken root that resonates globally and within the context of interior design. The art of plant styling, a practice that breathes life into spaces by introducing lush greenery, has found its place within the landscape of interior design. From the serene homes of Singapore to bustling commercial establishments, the fusion of nature and interior design in Singapore has paved the way for a new aesthetic that redefines spaces. This article looks into the profound impact of this transformative approach, exploring its role in shaping ambience, fostering well-being, and enhancing visual appeal within Singapore's interior design framework. Singapore combines innovative interior design with abundant urban greenery, creating harmonious living spaces that blend functionality and nature seamlessly. The city's commitment to sustainable architecture and lush landscapes enhances the overall quality of life. Integrating Nature's Serenity: Plant styling represents an endeavour to transcend the conventional boundaries between indoors and outdoors. The gentle sway of leaves, the soothing rustle of branches, and the play of light on foliage create a captivating tableau of serenity. These natural elements have the remarkable ability to not only enrich the visual aesthetics of a space but also to imbue it with an intangible sense of calm, offering a haven of tranquillity amid the modern whirlwind. Foliage As Functional Art: Beyond its artistic significance, the incorporation of greenery within interior design holds functional virtues that are equally captivating. Indoor plants act as dynamic purifiers, diligently working to improve air quality by absorbing pollutants and releasing oxygen. This symbiotic exchange is a testament to the remarkable synergy between the natural world and human habitation, resulting in spaces that are not only visually inviting but also remarkably conducive to holistic well-being. Evolving Design Aesthetics: The interior design canvas is ever-evolving, with aesthetics that shape-shift in response to cultural shifts and design movements. The beauty of plant styling lies in its ability to seamlessly adapt to these evolving aesthetics, transcending the boundaries of design trends. Whether it's the sleek lines of minimalism, the free-spirited eclecticism of bohemian design, or the raw industrial appeal, greenery finds a way to weave its verdant magic, breathing life into these aesthetics and fostering a harmonious coexistence between the designed and the natural. The Art Of Selection: Choosing the right plants to adorn interior spaces is akin to curating a living gallery. Each plant chosen is a testament to an intricate interplay of factors – from light availability and humidity levels to aesthetic preferences and maintenance commitments. The heart of this endeavour is striking the perfect equilibrium between aesthetic allure and the practicality of plant care, resulting in a tapestry of green that enchants the senses and enhances the atmosphere. Nurturing Connection: Plant styling is more than an aesthetic venture; it's an intimate connection with nature that thrives within one's living space. Nurturing indoor plants instils a sense of responsibility and mindfulness as one tends to the growth, well-being, and seasonal changes of these living companions. This connection fosters a deeper appreciation for the resilience of nature, weaving the threads of the natural world into the fabric of daily life. Creating Focal Points: In the tapestry of interior design, plants serve as masterful focal points, guiding the eye and punctuating spaces with living accents. Majestic ferns, cascading ivy, or sculptural cacti effortlessly take centre stage, captivating the observer with their unique forms and textures. These focal points transform mundane corners into captivating nooks, where the play of light and shadow on foliage tells a visual story that evolves throughout the day. The Versatility Of Planters And Containers: The vessels that cradle these botanical wonders are as integral to the design narrative as the plants themselves. The design spectrum of planters and containers spans rustic terracotta pots to sleek, modern ceramics and even repurposed vessels that breathe new life into forgotten objects. This versatility extends the creative possibilities of plant styling as containers become an extension of the design language, introducing new textures, colours, and forms. Integrating Plant Styling In Commercial Spaces: The allure of plant styling isn't confined to residential spaces alone; it has also made its indelible mark on the commercial landscape. Forward-thinking offices, elegant hotels, and dynamic retail environments have embraced the verdant touch of greenery. The infusion of plants within these spaces goes beyond aesthetics, fostering employee well-being, enhancing customer experiences, and creating an environment that promotes creativity and productivity. Symbiosis Of Light And Greenery The interplay between light and plants is a symphony that defines the heart of plant styling. Plants thrive in well-lit spaces, where sunlight cascades over leaves, casting intricate patterns and dynamic shadows. This symbiotic relationship between light and greenery transforms interiors into living canvases, where the ever-changing dance of illumination narrates an evolving story. Conclusion: As the chapters of interior design in Singapore continue to unfold, the integration of plant styling emerges as a timeless motif that marries the lush beauty of nature with the precision of design. This artistic symbiosis transcends aesthetics, creating spaces that exude tranquillity, health, and elegance. From the serene corners of private homes to the innovative interiors of commercial spaces, plant styling infuses its magic, redefining the essence of interior design in Singapore. In this ever-evolving narrative, the fusion of greenery and design remains a constant reminder that the beauty of nature is an eternal source of inspiration. As interior design in Singapore continues to shape urban environments, the allure of plant styling serves as a testament to the enduring power of nature's splendour within the tapestry of design. Read Also: Your own space: decor ideas for your private place to relax Home Improvement Hacks to Add to Your Space TV Wall Mount Ideas for Living Room

Why It’s So Hard To Quit Drugs Cold Turkey?

Quit Cold Turkey To Get Over Addiction

What Does It Mean To Quit Cold Turkey?