How to Quit Anything Cold Turkey: My Honest Tips for Taking Back Control

Over the years, I’ve quit more than one addiction, and every time, I’ve done it cold turkey. It’s never easy, and it’s definitely not for everyone, but for me, it was the only way that truly worked. When you’ve had enough of the chaos, the pain, the guilt, and the feeling that something else is controlling your life, you reach a point where you just know it’s time.

Whether you’re trying to quit smoking, drinking, unhealthy eating habits, or something deeper, it all starts with one decision: you’re done. But staying done takes more than willpower. It takes structure, self-awareness, and a bit of tough love for yourself. Here’s how I’ve managed to quit things cold turkey, and how you can, too.

I have fallen off the wagon many times and picked myself back up while living the same life I have for 20 years and nobody has ever known my struggles with addiction. If you can do it on your own go for it, but don’t feel bad if you need help. Here is what you can do to get started:

1. Eat Right — Fuel Your Body, Calm Your Mind

When you quit anything that your body has relied on, your system goes through a reset. Your hormones shift, your brain chemistry changes, and your energy levels might feel unpredictable. Eating real, nourishing foods helps balance everything out.

Focus on:

• Protein for steady energy
• Fruits and veggies for vitamins and mental clarity
• Plenty of water to flush toxins and reduce cravings
• Coffee & Energy drinks help if you have no choice but to work and be present

Even if you’re not in the mood to eat, try to get small, nutrient-dense meals in. It makes a huge difference in your mood and motivation.

2. Get Lots of Sleep

Sleep is your body’s healing time — physically and emotionally. When you’re detoxing from an addiction or bad habit, your brain is rewiring itself. That takes work, and sleep is the best way to help it along.

If you’re struggling to sleep, try:

• Setting a bedtime routine (no phone an hour before bed)
• Taking warm baths or showers before bed
• Herbal teas like chamomile or peppermint
• Breathing exercises or calm music

Don’t underestimate how much rest can do for your recovery. When I quit hard drugs I slept for days, it was the only way to help my body heal. In between the shakes, sweats, diarrhea, and feeling sick for days, sleep was the only thing that helped me stay on course.

3. Stay Busy — Distraction is Powerful

The first few days are always the hardest. You’ll want to cave. You’ll think of a hundred reasons why “just one more time” won’t hurt. But here’s the truth: distraction saves you.

When your mind starts to spiral, do something, anything, that keeps your hands and brain occupied:

• Go for a walk
• Clean something
• Journal
• Cook
• Work on a hobby
• Watch something funny
• Take a nap

The key is to fill that space where your old habit lived with something better.

4. Find Your Motivation

You need a “why” that’s stronger than your cravings.

For me, it’s my kids. It’s the life I want to live — one where I’m present, healthy, and proud of the person I am.

Your “why” might be your health, your family, your peace, or simply the desire to feel free again. Whatever it is, write it down. Put it somewhere you can see it every day. When temptation hits, read it out loud and remind yourself: this is why I’m doing this.

5. Talk to Someone

You don’t have to do it alone. Talking to someone you trust — a friend, family member, counsellor , or even an online support group — can make all the difference.

Sometimes just saying, “I’m struggling right now,” takes away some of the power the craving holds over you. Don’t let shame or pride stop you from reaching out. Nobody quits anything alone forever — we all need support somewhere along the way. Talking to someone might give you support you never realized you needed. If you are raising kids, working, and need help to rest and gain your life back talking to someone is worth it. Ask for help when you need a break, if you need sleep and the kids need a sitter ask for help. If you need a day off work to rest and reset, then ask for help. This could be the key to your success.

6. See a Doctor if You Need To

Some addictions, like alcohol, opioids, or certain medications, can cause dangerous withdrawal symptoms. If you’re quitting something that could affect your health, talk to a doctor first. There’s no shame in getting medical help, it’s the smart and safe thing to do.

There are medications available to help you with withdrawals and they can be the answer to your struggles. It doesn’t have to be methadone either, there are many meds that help with symptoms of withdrawal that are not as severe as methadone. But don’t feel ashamed if you need methadone either, it’s made to help you get better.

7. Constantly Remind Yourself Why You’re Quitting

This is the mindset part — and it’s the most important one.

Quitting cold turkey is a daily decision. Some days you’ll feel strong and unstoppable, and other days you’ll want to give up completely. On those hard days, remind yourself how far you’ve come.

Keep visual reminders — notes on your mirror, quotes on your phone, or photos that remind you why you started. Look back at who you used to be and who you’re becoming. Every time you say no to the thing that once controlled you, you’re saying yes to the life you deserve.

Final Thoughts

Quitting cold turkey isn’t easy — it’s a mental, emotional, and physical battle. But it’s also one of the most empowering things you’ll ever do. You don’t have to be perfect, you just have to be determined.

If you slip, that doesn’t mean you failed — it means you’re human. Pick yourself up, learn from it, and keep going. The freedom on the other side is worth every uncomfortable moment.

Read more about my struggles and why I am choosing to share my stories here: https://www.funkyfrugalmommy.com/2025/10/why-im-finally-writing-my-story-from.html?m=1

And read my story about why you should step in if you suspect abuse, neglect, or other suspicious behaviour: https://www.funkyfrugalmommy.com/2025/10/why-didnt-you-say-anything.html?m=1

Top Causes of Blocked Drains (And How to Prevent Them)

Have you ever noticed that the sink takes a long time to empty or heard that ominous gurgling sound? You are not alone. Clogged drains are a common, frustrating household problem that always pops up at the worst possible moment. Understanding the causes can help you avoid large repair bills and major inconveniences.

From bits of hair in the shower to grease buildup in the kitchen, the culprits are often hiding. Many of us create the perfect conditions for blockages through our normal household habits. This guide will explore the most common causes of blocked drains and provide practical preventative strategies to keep your pipes flowing smoothly.

The Most Common Causes of Blocked Drains:

Bathroom Drain Culprits: Hair and Soap Scum:

The most infamous pair of clogs in the bathroom is hair and soap scum. Loose strands of hair collect and combine with soap residue, forming a stubborn mass that prevents water flow. Modern soaps and shampoos often contain oils and moisturizers that do not dissolve easily, stick to the tube walls and act as glue for the hair.

This combination causes blocked bathroom pipes that develop gradually. Barely noticeable slow drainage after the morning shower gets progressively worse over weeks or months. When water begins to collect around your feet, you are dealing with a significant blockage that requires immediate attention.

Kitchen Drain Nightmares: Food Waste and Grease:

What blocks drains in kitchen sinks may surprise you. Everyone knows that pouring cooking oil down the drain is risky, but coffee grounds are just as problematic. These tiny particles stick together in your pipes, forming a dense, cement-like substance that is incredibly difficult to dislodge.

Rice and pasta are other secret culprits. These foods expand when they come into contact with water, and even after cooking, they swell into solid lumps when mixed with fat. While hot water can temporarily liquefy the grease, it quickly cools and solidifies again further down the line, creating deep, hard-to-reach blocked drains.

The Underground Threat: Tree Roots:

Perhaps the deadliest cause of clogged drains is a hidden one underground. Tree roots are naturally attracted to moisture and nutrients found in sewer pipes. They detect water vapor coming from small cracks or loose joints and move towards these weak points.

Once inside, the roots grow, forming a net-like structure that catches everything that flows through the pipes.

• Signs of root damage include multiple slow-running drains and clinking toilets.
• Older properties with soil or concrete pipes are most vulnerable, as these materials provide easy entry points for specific roots.

This main cause of sewer blockage requires professional diagnosis and clearing.

What Should Never Go Down the Drain: Foreign Objects:

Accidentally spilling or flushing something inappropriate is a common cause of immediate blockages. Things like cotton buds, dental floss and small toy parts do not break down in water. They can get stuck sideways in the pipes, causing a blockage that traps other debris.

The problem of "flushable" cloths deserves special mention. Despite the marketing, these products remain largely intact, combining with grease to form massive "fatbergs" in sewage systems. Always flush only human waste and toilet paper to avoid clogging a large drain.

Location-Specific Blocked Drain Problems:

Blocked Drains Under the House:

Blocked drainage conditions under the home are challenging because they often remain hidden until significant damage has occurred. Foundation settlements can cause underground pipes to break, separate or collapse, creating spaces where debris can collect and roots can penetrate.

Australian soil conditions, particularly clay-heavy soils, expand and contract dramatically with moisture changes. This puts enormous pressure on the clogged pipes, blocking drainage. Age also matters: Older pipes are more susceptible to corrosion, brittleness and distortion.

When All Drains Are Blocked in the House?

If you notice that all the drains in the house are blocked, you are facing a serious main drain problem. The home's individual drains are connected to a main line that carries waste to the street sewer. When this main line is blocked, everything is backed up.

How to identify a complete blockage of sewers:

o Water appearing in unexpected places (for example bubbles in the shower when the toilet is flushed).

• Several fixtures drain slowly or do not drain at all.
• Sewage smell throughout the house.

If you are experiencing blocked drains Sunshine affecting your entire home, professional intervention is necessary. This is not a DIY situation due to serious health risks and potential water damage.

Early Warning Signs of Drainage Problems:

Catching drainage problems early can save you from major headaches and expensive repairs.

Recognising a Developing Drain Blockage:

Slow draining water is the primary early caution signal. It shows that partial blockages are forming to your pipes, narrowing the passage. Left unchecked, these unavoidably grow to be entire obstructions.

Gurgling sounds are your pipes crying for assist. These noises arise when air bubbles warfare to break out through restricted pipes. The sounds suggest your drainage system is struggling to address ordinary water flow, frequently because of growing blockages or air flow troubles.

Unpleasant odours signal that waste fabric is decomposing in your pipes instead of flowing away well. A chronic sewage odor warrants investigation earlier than a complete pipe blockage happens.

The Difference Between Minor and Major Blockages:

Understanding the difference between partial vs complete pipe blockage is critical. Minor blockages normally have an effect on single furnishings and respond well to plunging. They permit a few water thru, albeit slowly.

Complete blockages stop water float completely, causing instant backups and requiring pressing interest. Recurring drain blockage issues nearly continually suggest an underlying structural problem, which include pipe damage or a build-up in addition down the line, and require expert evaluation to restoration the foundation purpose.

Prevention Strategies That Actually Work

Prevention certainly is better than treatment in terms of blocked drains. Simple adjustments could make a huge difference.

Daily Habits to Keep Your Drains Clear:

Simple changes to prevent bathroom pipes from clogging start with installing a quality drain guard to catch hair. After each bath, take a moment to remove collected hair.

Practices that prevent grease build-up in the kitchen include:

• Wipe greased pans with a paper towel before washing.
• Collect cooking oil in containers for proper disposal. Never pour grease into the sink.
• Use a colander to catch food particles.

What really works is consistent mechanical removal of debris and proper waste disposal – without relying on the myth that hot water alone will dissolve grease.

Monthly Maintenance for Healthy Drains:

Regular maintenance helps break down minor build-up before it becomes a problem.

• Natural cleaning: Pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by half a cup of white vinegar. Simmer for 30 minutes, then wash off with warm water.
• Hot water flushing: Pour a large pot of boiling water down each drain weekly. It helps dissolve soap scum and minor grease deposits.

For ongoing organic build-up in kitchen drains, consider using an enzyme cleaner monthly to prevent gradual build-up, which leads to clogged drains.

Professional Prevention: When to Call for Help:

Annual inspection of blocked drains by professionals is invaluable in catching problems early. Professionals can notice developmental problems like root intrusion or pipe deterioration that you may never have noticed.

Camera inspection has revolutionised drainage maintenance for peace of mind. Plumbers can inspect your entire system without digging, identifying cracks, identifying locations of buildup, and preventing catastrophic blocked sewer pipe failure. Preventative hydro jetting is especially important for older properties to remove debris that has accumulated over the years and restore pipe efficiency.

DIY Solutions vs Professional Intervention

How to Clear a Blocked Drain Safely?

Every homeowner should have a good plunger, a hand auger (drain snake), and rubber gloves. For single-fixture clogs, start with gentle plunging. If that fails, carefully use a drain snake, feeding it slowly and rotating as you go. For sink blockages, check and clean the P-trap under the sink.

When DIY becomes dangerous:

• Never use chemical cleaners in completely blocked drains.
• Avoid excessive force with tools, as this can crack older pipes.
• If multiple drains are affected, stop and call professionals immediately.

Finding Reliable Help: "Unblock Drain Near Me:

When searching for "unclogged drain near me", look for licensed and insured drain specialists with good local reputations. They should explain the problem clearly, give advance prices and offer a guarantee on their work.

Ask questions about the equipment they use (for example, is camera inspection included?) and about their experience with your specific problem, such as dealing with tree roots. Prioritize expertise and transparent blocked drain cost over the cheapest option to ensure a permanent solution.

Conclusion: Keep the drain flowing evenly

Most blocked drains are completely preventable. The key is to understand what is blocking the drain in your home and take proactive steps. Simple daily habits – using drain guards, properly disposing of grease and careful flushing – can save you thousands in emergency sewer bills.

Your drainage system is working hard. Show it some love with regular care, respond quickly to early warning signs, and don't hesitate to seek professional help for recurring or serious problems. By being vigilant, you'll keep your drains flowing freely and avoid those stressful late-night sewer blockage disasters.

Teenagers, TikTok, and Traffic Stops: Two DUI Lawyers Talk to Moms About Raising Responsible Drivers

Handing your teenager the car keys for the first time can be both a proud and terrifying moment. Between social media distractions, peer pressure, and a culture that glamorizes “just one drink,” it’s no wonder parents lose sleep over their kids behind the wheel.

To help moms navigate these high-stakes years, we asked two experienced DUI lawyers, Calvin Barry from Toronto and Amar Bhinder from Brampton, to share what they wish every parent knew about raising safe, responsible drivers in today’s world.

1. Teen Drivers and the Law: “Zero Tolerance Means Zero.”

Under Ontario’s G1, G2, and novice driver rules, the law is clear: no alcohol, no cannabis, no excuses.

“Many parents think a single beer at a family BBQ isn’t a big deal,” says Toronto DUI lawyer Calvin Barry, a former Crown prosecutor turned defence lawyer. “But for G1 and G2 drivers, even a small amount of alcohol or THC in their system can lead to immediate license suspension, hefty fines, and serious insurance consequences.”

He adds that young drivers caught under Ontario’s Zero BAC law face automatic 24-hour suspensions, 30-day license suspensions upon conviction, and escalating penalties for repeat offences.

“And here’s what really hurts,” Calvin says. “One mistake at 18 can make car insurance unaffordable for years, or even impact career paths that require clean driving records.”

2. Social Media Pressure and Party Culture: A Dangerous Mix

Today’s teens live their lives online, where dangerous “challenges” and reckless behavior can rack up views faster than good judgment can catch up.

Amar Bhinder, a Brampton criminal and DUI lawyer with Polaris Legal Group, has seen how social media fuels bad decisions.

“Teens don’t just face peer pressure in person anymore, it follows them on TikTok and Snapchat,” Amar says. “I’ve seen cases where young drivers tried to ‘film’ their drives or post stunts for attention, not realizing they were documenting evidence of a crime.”

He stresses that parents should talk to teens about the digital footprint of their choices. “A single video can go viral, and straight into the hands of police, prosecutors, or future employers.”

Amar suggests setting firm family rules about phone use in vehicles. “Keep the phone out of reach. Even hands-free scrolling or filming is still dangerous and can lead to distracted driving charges.”

3. Teaching Teens to Handle Traffic Stops, the Calm, Smart Way

Both lawyers agree: one of the most important conversations parents can have isn’t just about not drinking and driving, but what to do if your teen is stopped by police.

“Teach them to stay calm, be polite, and know their rights,” Calvin says. “Arguing or panicking can escalate a simple stop into something worse.”

Amar adds, “I tell young clients all the time, honesty and respect go a long way. If they’re pulled over, keep their hands visible, don’t reach for their phone, and answer questions clearly.”

Moms can even rehearse this scenario with their teens. Role-playing how to speak to officers helps remove fear and builds confidence for real-world situations.

4. Setting Family Rules That Actually Work

Teens are more likely to make good choices when expectations are clear, and consequences are consistent. Calvin and Amar both recommend drafting a simple “family driving contract.”

This can include:

• No alcohol, drugs, or texting while driving.
• Mandatory call or ride-share if they ever feel unsafe to drive.
• No passengers during the first few months (distraction-free driving).
• Shared responsibilities for gas, maintenance, and insurance.

“Framing these rules as trust and privilege, not punishment, makes a difference,” Amar explains. “It helps teens see driving as something they earn through maturity.”

5. Lead by Example

Both lawyers emphasize that kids learn from what they see.

“If parents drive distracted, speed, or joke about drinking and driving, kids notice,” Calvin says. “Model the behavior you want your teens to mirror.”

Amar agrees. “I’ve defended good families where the teen’s first mistake was one small drink at a graduation party. The message should always be clear: if you drink, you don’t drive, ever. There’s no ‘just around the corner’ exception.”

Parenting teenage drivers isn’t about fear, it’s about preparation.

As Calvin Barry puts it:

“You can’t ride in the passenger seat forever, but you can give your kids the knowledge and mindset to stay safe on the road.”

And as Amar Bhinder adds:

“Most DUI cases start with one bad decision. The best prevention is honest conversations at home, long before the keys ever change hands.”

Because in a world of TikTok challenges, late-night drives, and endless distractions, what teens need most isn’t just a driver’s license, it’s a moral compass. And that begins with us, the parents, teaching them that responsibility doesn’t end when the engine starts.

Marriage Meets Merger: What a Corporate Lawyer and a Family Lawyer Can Teach Us About Love and Contracts

They say marriage is about love, trust, and commitment, but ask a lawyer, and they’ll tell you it’s also about terms, clarity, and… clauses.

It turns out, marriage and business partnerships have more in common than most people realize. To explore this connection, we sat down with Birpal Benipal, a Brampton-based corporate lawyer from Benipal Law, and Manjeet Kaur, a respected family lawyer at Kaur Law in Brampton.

Together, they unpack how thinking like a lawyer, just a little, can actually make your marriage stronger.

1. “Every Partnership Needs a Plan”

In the corporate world, no deal begins without an agreement. “Before two companies merge,” explains Brampton Corporate Lawyer Birpal Benipal, “they spend weeks negotiating how decisions will be made, how profits will be shared, and what happens if things don’t go as planned.”

Sound familiar? It should. Marriage, too, is a partnership, just with more shared laundry and fewer PowerPoint presentations.

Birpal believes open communication is the foundation of both business and marriage. “You wouldn’t invest in a company without understanding its goals and values. The same goes for marriage, you have to align your expectations early.”

He suggests couples discuss practical things that can otherwise become points of friction later:

• How will we handle finances and savings?
• Who’s responsible for household expenses?
• What’s our plan for children, careers, or future investments?

As he puts it: “Clarity now prevents conflict later. In law and in love, the unspoken expectations are what cause the biggest problems.”

2. “Love Is Emotional, But Marriage Is Also a Legal Contract”

Brampton Family lawyer Manjeet Kaur sees the emotional side of partnerships every day, especially when things fall apart.

“Most people don’t realize that marriage is a legal agreement,” she says. “When you get married, you’re not just making a romantic commitment; you’re also entering a legal and financial one.”

She emphasizes that talking about prenups, wills, or property division isn’t unromantic, it’s responsible.

“A marriage contract doesn’t predict failure. It promotes understanding. It’s the same as a corporate partnership agreement, both sides agree on what’s fair, transparent, and respectful.”

In fact, Manjeet often encourages couples to treat legal planning as a form of love. “You’re protecting each other. You’re saying, ‘I care about you enough to make sure you’re secure no matter what happens.’”

3. “Communication Is the Ultimate Clause”

Whether you’re negotiating a business deal or deciding whose turn it is to take out the garbage, communication is everything.

Birpal says most business disputes come down to one thing: poor communication. “Partners assume the other person knows what they mean, until they don’t.”

Manjeet agrees. “In family law, I see couples who stopped communicating long before they stopped loving each other. They started keeping score instead of having conversations.”

Their shared advice for couples?

• Talk early and often, even about uncomfortable topics.
• Listen to understand, not to argue.
• Revisit your “terms” as life changes, new jobs, kids, financial shifts, and goals all deserve new discussions.

“Businesses review their contracts yearly,” says Birpal. “Why shouldn’t couples check in, too?”

4. “Exit Strategies Aren’t About Giving Up”

In business, every good deal has an exit strategy, not because partners expect failure, but because they know that life is unpredictable.

Manjeet says the same principle applies to relationships: “It’s not about planning for divorce; it’s about being realistic. Having a will, powers of attorney, and proper documentation means you’re protecting your family, not anticipating the end.”

Birpal adds, “Corporate law teaches us to hope for the best and plan for the worst. Love deserves the same level of foresight.”

Marriage, like business, thrives on trust, but trust doesn’t mean ignoring reality. It means building a solid foundation that can weather whatever comes your way.

As Birpal Benipal says:

“Love may be emotional, but it works best when it’s organized.”

And Manjeet Kaur agrees:

“The strongest marriages aren’t the ones that avoid tough conversations, they’re the ones that have them.”

So maybe, before saying “I do,” we should all take a page from the lawyers’ playbook: put the terms in writing, communicate clearly, and remember that every great partnership, personal or professional, runs on respect, honesty, and teamwork.

Because at the end of the day, the best contracts are built not just on signatures, but on understanding.