Just because you could do it doesn't mean everyone else can or should. Addiction effects everyone differently. Personally, I went from 2 packs a day and was able to quit pretty much cold turkey.
I also drank too much, chased women, and was letting the rest of my time get sucked away gaming. Of those I dropped the gaming as well--working 8-10 hours and then spending 10-12 raiding every day (16 hours on the weekend) was not a healthy endeavor either(and tended to limit the opportunity to chase women). I had to make a decision what did I want more-- to continue to drink 3-4 cases a week while sitting in front of a computer screen, burning away money in cigarettes, or finding something more meaningful.
I picked the 2 that I felt had the least positive return. Eliminating those 2 vices helped me find a balance, I couldn't give up all of them and been successful. That would have been too much for me.
I know plenty of people who take on too much and failed. They aren't weaker, rather they just underestimate the draw of their desires. Think of it this way, how strong do you need to be to pick up a 50 lb sack of malt? Now, picture 4 of them. I can pick up 200 lbs, but how far am I going to make it? Not far. But two, one on each shoulder, i can manage as far as needed. My friend can grab 3 and go a few yards before resting or resetting. Who is really the stronger one?