kicks the habit

Breaks the cycle

To kick the habit is to break free from an addiction or deeply ingrained behavior, especially one that's harmful.

Originally referred to overcoming drug addiction—the "kick" suggesting the physical struggle of withdrawal—but now applies to any compulsive pattern: She finally kicked the habit after twenty years of smoking, I'm trying to kick the habit of checking my phone first thing in the morning.

Related

breaking free · staying sober · support system · rehabilitation · self-control · willpower · mindfulness · relapse prevention · therapy · abstinence · fresh start · recovery programs · twelve steps · withdrawal · detoxification · counseling · nicotine patch · cessation

Opposites
addiction trajectory

kicks the habitrelapses

Returns to illness

falls off the wagon · backslides · slips up · spirals · caves in

behavioral control

kicks the habitloses control

Fails to manage oneself

caves in · succumbs · indulges · gives in

Family

kick, kicks, kicked, kicking, kicker, kickers, habit, habits, habitual

Familiarity
Top 100,000
Profile
Used worldwide · Timeless · Positive · Everyday, not technical · Rated PG