When you quit something abruptly, you’re said to quit cold turkey. This expression’s origin is unknown although its earliest recording uses are from 19th-century boxing. This is part of a complete episode.
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I just ran across a use of cold turkey in a 1929 ‘Radio Retailing’ magazine. Clearly means cold calling. If the drug-related use had also been common at the time, I doubt that a magazine would have used the phrase.
Dealers should not forget — particularly at the outset of their efforts — that cold turkey work is not synonymous with doorbell pounding. While the personal, outside canvass is undoubtedly the most thorough of all soliciting media, the telephone runs it a close and effective second.