Final answer:
Joni's desire to chew gum or have something in her mouth after quitting smoking is a nicotine withdrawal symptom. Nicotine replacement therapy can ease these symptoms but has limited long-term success rates for quitting. Nicotine addiction is challenging to overcome due to its effects on the brain's reward system.
Step-by-step explanation:
Joni's behavior of wanting to chew gum or have something in her mouth after quitting smoking is an example of a nicotine withdrawal symptom. When an individual stops smoking, they often experience various withdrawal symptoms that can manifest as cravings for oral stimulation, such as chewing gum or eating, because they miss the habitual action of having a cigarette in their mouth. This oral fixation is a common challenge faced by those who cease smoking. Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) is one approach to combat these cravings; it involves administering nicotine through gum, lozenges, or patches to lessen withdrawal symptoms, improve chances of quitting, and reduce health risks associated with smoking such as heart disease and various cancers.
Despite using NRT, a significant number of people return to smoking within a year, highlighting the addictive nature of nicotine and the challenge of quitting smoking for good. Yet for those who manage to quit, the risk of heart disease significantly drops after one year. Smoking can have detrimental effects on the body, including oral health issues like periodontitis and tooth loss, as well as the increased risk of developing multiple cancers. The addictive power of nicotine, which works by stimulating the acetylcholine receptors associated with arousal and reward, makes smoking cessation a difficult but important goal for health improvements.