There was a time when tobacco companies denied the possibility of nicotine addiction altogether. Today the medical establishment knows better—not that anyone needed a whole lot of convincing, of course. It's self-evident to anyone who smokes regularly that nicotine produces powerful physical effects and some highly unpleasant withdrawal symptoms once it's taken away.

One of the interesting things about quitting smoking is that, like all addictions, it never seems to grow easier with time. Even if you're free of the drug altogether, it's not unusual for one-time smokers to experience significant cravings months and even years after quitting. Cravings like these represent true psychological addiction -- the kind that often responds far better to emotional counseling then quickie band-aids like the "Patch."

If you've been through a number of addictions in the past, you know just how difficult it can be to rid your life of this pernicious habit. Good residential drug treatment programs incorporate smart ideas from science and medicine to help you make sense of that addiction, be it cigarettes, Vicodin or crystal meth. The best even include holistic healing techniques to ensure you keep the big picture in mind throughout your stay.

Look around the Web for programs that respond to your progress and offer custom-tailored therapy throughout the process. Speak to the people in charge if you want to learn more about what to expect at each location. Often a little research is all you need to get on board with a nicotine addiction center as effective as it is affordable.