The phrase "cold turkey" is believed to have originated in the early 1900s in the United States. It is thought to have originated in the context of drug addiction and withdrawal, where the term "cold turkey" was used to describe the sudden and abrupt withdrawal from addictive substances, particularly opioids such as heroin. During withdrawal, individuals experience intense and uncomfortable physical and psychological symptoms, which were perceived to be as shocking and jarring as jumping into cold turkey. The phrase gradually gained wider usage and is now commonly used in various contexts to refer to any abrupt or difficult change or cessation of a habit or practice.