David B Abrams

Professor of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Professional overview

Dr. David Abrams' career focuses on systems and social learning frameworks to inform population health enhancement. He has experience in testing theory, research design, measuring mechanisms of behavior change and outcome, and evaluating clinical trials (behavioral and pharmacological). His interests span topics from basic bio-behavioral mechanisms and clinical treatments to policy across risk factors and behaviors (e.g. tobacco/nicotine; alcohol, obesity, co-morbidity of medical and mental health), disease states (cancer; cardiovascular; HIV-AIDS), levels (biological, individual, organizational, worksite, community, global, and internet based), populations and disparities. His interests converge in the domain of implementation science to cost-efficiently inform evidence-based public health practice and policymaking.

Through transdisciplinary and translational research strategies, Dr. Abrams provides scientific leadership in tobacco control. His current focus is in strengthening global and United States tobacco and nicotine management strategies. Deaths of 1 billion smokers are estimated by 2100 caused overwhelmingly by use of combustible (smoked) tobacco products, not nicotine. Harm minimization is a key overarching systems strategy to speed the net public health benefit of emergent disruptive technologies for cleaner nicotine delivery. The goal is more rapid elimination of preventable deaths, disease burdens, and the widening gap in health disparities driven disproportionately by disparities in smoking.

Dr. Abrams was a professor and founding director of the Centers for Behavioral and Preventive Medicine at Brown University Medical School. He then directed the Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Until 2017, he was Professor of Health Behavior and Society at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and the founding Executive Director of the Schroeder National Institute of Tobacco Research and Policy Studies at Truth Initiative (formerly the American Legacy Foundation).

Dr. Abrams has published over 250 peer reviewed scholarly articles and been a Principal Investigator on numerous NIH grants. He is lead author of The Tobacco Dependence Treatment Handbook: A Guide to Best Practices. He has served on expert panels at NIH and National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine on Obesity, Alcohol Misuse and Ending the Tobacco Problem: A Blueprint for the Nation. He has also served on the Board of Scientific Advisors of the National Cancer Institute (NIH-NCI) and was President of the Society of Behavioral Medicine.

For a complete list of Dr. Abrams' published work, click here.

Education

BSc (Hons), Psychology and Computer Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa

MS, Clinical Psychology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ

PhD, Clinical Psychology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ

Postdoctoral Fellow, Brown Medical School, Providence, RI

Honors and awards

Research Laureate Award, American Academy of Health Behavior (2014)

Joseph W. Cullen Memorial Award for Tobacco Research, American Society for Preventive Oncology (2008)

Distinguished Alumni Award: Rutgers University, The Graduate School, New Brunswick, NJ (2007)

The Musiker-Miranda Distinguished Service Award, American Psychological Association (2006)

Distinguished Service Award, Society of Behavioral Medicine (2006)

Outstanding Research Mentor Award, Society of Behavioral Medicine (2006)

Book of the Year Award: Tobacco Dependence Treatment Handbook. American Journal of Nursing (2005)

Distinguished Scientist Award, Society of Behavioral Medicine (1998)

Areas of research and study

Behavioral Science

Chronic Diseases

Evaluations

Implementation and Impact of Public Health Regulations

Implementation science

Population Health

Public Health Pedagogy

Public Health Systems

Research Design

Systems Integration

Systems Interventions

Tobacco Control

Translational science

Publications

Publications

The effects of cue exposure on reaction time in male alcoholics

Sayette, M. A., Monti, P. M., Rohsenow, D. J., Gulliver, S. B., Colby, S. M., Sirota, A. D., Niaura, R., Abrams, D. B., & Abrams, D. (n.d.).

Publication year

1994

Journal title

Journal of Studies on Alcohol

Volume

55

Issue

5

Page(s)

629-633

10.15288/jsa.1994.55.629

Abstract

Abstract

The present study investigates reaction time (RT) as a measure of attentional deficits produced during alcohol cue exposure. Twenty-four male alcoholic patients responded to a series of computer-generated tones as rapidly as possible during baseline and again during either an alcohol cue exposure period or exposure to a control beverage (water). Patients required increased time to respond to the tones when exposed to alcohol cues. No such increase in RT was found during exposure to a control beverage. In addition, RT was significantly correlated with self-reported urge to drink. These data provide initial validation for the use of RT as an objective measure of cue reactivity. Both theoretical and clinical implications for the use of RT as a measure of the effects of cue exposure are discussed.

Women and smoking cessation: Current status and future directions

Marcus, B., Emmons, K., Simkin, L., Albrecht, A., Stoney, C., & Abrams, D. (n.d.).

Publication year

1994

Journal title

Medicine, Exercise, Nutrition and Health

Volume

3

Page(s)

17-31

Abstract

Abstract

~

Alcohol cue reactivity : Effects of detoxification and extended exposure

Monti, P. M., Rohsenow, D. J., Rubonis, A. V., Niaura, R. S., Sirota, A. D., Colby, S. M., Abrams, D. B., & Abrams, D. (n.d.).

Publication year

1993

Journal title

Journal of Studies on Alcohol

Volume

54

Issue

2

Page(s)

235-245

10.15288/jsa.1993.54.235

Abstract

Abstract

Alcoholics' reactions to drinking-related stimuli (cue reactivity) have been well documented and alcohol cue exposure treatment has been conducted recently in several clinical trials. Prior to conducting large-scale clinical trials it is important to know what effects detoxification may have on cue reactivity. However, no information is available about the effects of stage of detoxification or of detoxification medication on alcohol cue reactivity. In this study, 45 male alcoholics, detoxified without medication, were assessed during either their second, fourth or sixth day of withdrawal. Further, their reactivity was compared to that of alcoholics detoxified with chlordiazepoxide (n = 15), and to that of alcoholics in their fourth week after drinking (n = 28). Cue reactivity assessment investigated salivation and urge to drink after 3 minutes of water cue exposure and then after 3 minutes of alcohol cue exposure. Urges to drink were assessed during an additional 15 minutes of alcohol exposure to explore latency to maximum reactivity and habituation. Reactivity did not differ as a function of group membership, although salivation was elevated to both beverages during the first week of detoxification. Of the sample, 70% reacted to alcohol with increased urge and 65% with increased salivation, with no difference between groups in proportions of reactors. The maximum urge to drink occurred in the first 6 minutes of alcohol exposure, followed by a gradual and significant decrease. There were no differences on these measures between alcoholics in their first or fourth week after their last drink. Implications for theory and clinical applications are discussed.

Cognitive-behavioral coping skills program for alcoholics : Monograph No. 3. National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism

Kadden, R., Carroll, K., Donovan, D., Abrams, D., & et, al. (n.d.).

Publication year

1993

Abstract

Abstract

~

Cue Exposure With Coping Skills Treatment for Male Alcoholics : A Preliminary Investigation

Monti, P. M., Rohsenow, D. J., Rubonis, A. V., Niaura, R. S., Sirota, A. D., Colby, S. M., Goddard, P., Abrams, D. B., & Abrams, D. (n.d.).

Publication year

1993

Journal title

Journal of consulting and clinical psychology

Volume

61

Issue

6

Page(s)

1011-1019

10.1037/0022-006X.61.6.1011

Abstract

Abstract

Although early investigations were promising, no controlled follow-up studies have investigated the effectiveness of cue exposure treatment for alcoholics. In this study, inpatient alcoholics received either cue exposure integrated with urge coping skills training (CET, n = 22) or a contrast condition (CC) involving daily contact with assessment only (n = 18) in addition to standard treatment. Comprehensive assessment measures were used to investigate change in process and outcome variables. In the second 3 months after treatment, the CET group included more patients who were completely abstinent, had a higher percentage of abstinent days, and tended to report fewer drinks per day than did patients in the contrast condition. The significantly greater use of coping skills during follow-up by the CET group and the significant relationship of these coping skills to decreased drinking suggest that treatment effects were due, at least in part, to the coping skills training, consistent with recent formulations. Theoretical and treatment implications are discussed.

Development of a behavior analytically derived alcohol-specific role-play assessment instrument

Monti, P. M., Rohsenow, D. J., Abrams, D. B., Zwick, W. R., Binkoff, J. A., Munroe, S. M., Fingeret, A. L., Nirenberg, T. D., Liepman, M. R., Pedraza, M., Kadden, R. M., Cooney, N. L., & Abrams, D. (n.d.).

Publication year

1993

Journal title

Journal of Studies on Alcohol

Volume

54

Issue

6

Page(s)

710-721

10.15288/jsa.1993.54.710

Abstract

Abstract

Social learning theory postulates that chronic alcohol abusers may have deficits in ability to cope with stressful situations, and these deficits may be associated with relapse after treatment. Attempts to study the hypothesized deficits have been hampered by methodological problems. Therefore, a behavior analytic procedure was used to develop 10 categories of situations based on over 600 drinking situations elicited from alcoholics. Role plays were developed for each of these categories, and samples of alcoholics in treatment were asked to respond as if they were trying not to drink. Videotaped responses were behaviorally rated by trained judges for skill and anxiety, and subjects completed self-report ratings of urge to drink, anxiety, difficulty and skill after each role play. Good interrater reliabilities and internal consistency were found across three samples of alcoholics, with virtually no gender differences. Previous and current investigations show the validity and utility of this instrument. The Alcohol Specific Role Play Test therefore shows promise as a means of assessing alcoholics' reactions to high-risk situations.

Smoking control at the workplace : current status and emerging issues.

Linnan, L. A., Emmons, K. M., Galuska, E. C., & Abrams, D. (n.d.).

Publication year

1993

Journal title

Rhode Island medicine

Volume

76

Issue

10

Page(s)

510-514

Abstract

Abstract

~

Treatment issues: Towards a stepped care model

Abrams, D., Orleans, C., Niaura, R. S., Goldstein, M., Velicer, W., & Prochaska, J. (n.d.).

Publication year

1993

Journal title

Tobacco Control

Volume

2 (suppl)

Page(s)

S17-S37

Abstract

Abstract

~

A cocaine high-risk situations questionnaire : Development and psychometric properties

Michalec, E., Zwick, W. R., Monti, P. M., Rohsenow, D. J., Varney, S., Niaura, R. S., Abrams, D. B., & Abrams, D. (n.d.).

Publication year

1992

Journal title

Journal of substance abuse

Volume

4

Issue

4

Page(s)

377-391

10.1016/0899-3289(92)90044-X

Abstract

Abstract

Although high-risk situations have been identified for alcoholism, opiate abuse, and smoking, further research is needed to identify high-risk situations for cocaine abuse. A 233-item Cocaine High-Risk Situations Survey was developed based on a comprehensive literature review and was administered to 179 cocaine users in treatment. Situations that occurred infrequently or that were not often associated with cocaine use were eliminated and the remaining 89 items were factor analyzed using half the sample with confirmatory factor analysis on the remainder of the sample. Only one factor was found for frequency of cocaine use in these situations. The 21 items with high factor loadings and a diverse range of content were retained for subsequent analyses and renamed the Cocaine High-Risk Situations Questionnaire (CHRSQ). Reliability and convergent and discriminant validity of this scale were demonstrated. Frequency of alcohol use in the same situations was not significantly related to cocaine use and abuse, supporting discriminant validity. The findings suggest that the frequency of ongoing cocaine use is not determined by specific situations. Theoretical and clinical implications are discussed.

Assessing elements of women's decisions about mammography.

Rakowski, W., Dube, C. E., Marcus, B. H., Prochaska, J. O., Velicer, W. F., Abrams, D. B., & Abrams, D. (n.d.).

Publication year

1992

Journal title

Health psychology : official journal of the Division of Health Psychology, American Psychological Association

Volume

11

Issue

2

Page(s)

111-118

10.1037/0278-6133.11.2.111

Abstract

Abstract

We investigated motivational and cognitive processes of behavior change with respect to mammography screening. One hundred forty-two women (ages 40 and older) recruited from three worksites answered a 41-item questionnaire consisting of statements based on constructs from the transtheoretical model of behavior change. Principal-components analysis identified two factors: a six-item component representing positive perceptions of mammography (Pros) and a six-item component representing avoidance of mammography (Cons). Analysis of variance showed that Pros, Cons, and a derived Decisional Balance measure (Pros minus Cons) were associated with stage of mammography adoption. Results are consistent with applications of the model to smoking cessation. The model is also discussed as it relates to other theories of behavior change and as a general strategy for analyzing perceptual data pertinent to health-related actions and intentions for behavioral change.

Assessment, classification, and treatment of obesity: A behavioral medicine perspective

Clark, M., Ruggiero, L., Pera, V., Goldstein, M., & Abrams, D. (n.d.). (A. Stoudemire & B. Vogel, Eds.; 2nd ed.).

Publication year

1992

Abstract

Abstract

~

Attendance and outcome in a work site weight control program : Processes and stages of change as process and predictor variables

Prochaska, J. O., Norcross, J. C., Fowler, J. L., Follick, M. J., Abrams, D. B., & Abrams, D. (n.d.).

Publication year

1992

Journal title

Addictive Behaviors

Volume

17

Issue

1

Page(s)

35-45

10.1016/0306-4603(92)90051-V

Abstract

Abstract

This naturalistic study assessed client changes during treatment and identified salient predictors of therapy attendance and outcome. Subjects were assessed on processes and stages of change, self-efficacy, social support, weight history (including expectations, goals, and reasons for losing weight), and demographics at the beginning, middle, and end of a 10-week, behaviorally oriented work site program for weight control. Significant shifts from contemplation to action occured for clients remaining in treatment. There were also significant modifications in the use of change processes as a result of treatment: counterconditioning, contingency management, stimulus control, interpersonal control, and social liberation increased while medication use, wishful thinking, and minimizing threats decreased. Change processes employed during the early portion of the group treatment were the best predictors of treatment attendance and outcome, superior to self-efficacy, social support, weight history, and demographic variables. The results supported a transtheoretical model that emphasizes dynamic processes and stages as core dimensions for understanding how people change.

Commentary on stages of change and decisional balance for twelve problem behaviors.

Abrams, D., & Clark, M. (n.d.).

Publication year

1992

Journal title

Diabetes Spectrum

Volume

6

Issue

1

Page(s)

38-40

Abstract

Abstract

~

Commentary on strong and weak principles for progressing from precontemplation into action based on 12 problem behaviors

Clark, M., Abrams, D. S., & Abrams, D. (n.d.).

Publication year

1992

Journal title

Diabetes Spectrum

Volume

6

Issue

1

Page(s)

41-42

Abstract

Abstract

~

Conceptual models to integrate individual and public health interventions: The example of the workplace

Abrams, D. (n.d.). (M. Henderson, Ed.).

Publication year

1992

Abstract

Abstract

~

Cue elicited urge to drink and salivation in alcoholics : Relationship to individual differences

Rohsenow, D. J., Monti, P. M., Abrams, D., Rubonis, A. V., Niaura, R. S., Sirota, A. D., & Colby, S. M. (n.d.).

Publication year

1992

Journal title

Advances in Behaviour Research and Therapy

Volume

14

Issue

3

Page(s)

195-210

10.1016/0146-6402(92)90008-C

Abstract

Abstract

Social learning models of relapse have included a focus on the learned reactions of substance abusers to the presence of substance use cues, but the relative roles played by cue-elicited psychophysiological reactions and urges to use have been unclear. The relationships of these kinds of cue-elicited reactions to each other, to measures of individual differences, to attentional processes, and to relapse are reviewed across three recent studies (published or to be published elsewhere). Alcoholic males who participated in one of three studies were assessed for cue reactivity (salivation and urge to drink while sniffing an alcoholic beverage versus water) as well as individual difference measures. Salivation and urge to drink have a weak or nonsignificant relationship to each other. Cue-elicited urge to drink generally correlates with negative mood, awareness of somatic reactions, attention to alcohol, and enjoyment of the sight and smell of alcohol. Salivation tends not to be related to these conscious processes although it is greater among those who expect more positive effects from alcohol, and among those with more alcohol dependence. Salivation but not urge to drink was predictive of quantity and frequency of drinking during the first three months post-detoxification. Results are generally consistent with appetitive-motivation models of alcohol use and with Tiffany's (1990) hypothesis that automatic processes are more important than conscious processes in drug-use behavior.

Current treatment of obesity : a behavioral medicine perspective.

Pera, V., Clark, M. M., Abrams, D. S., & Abrams, D. (n.d.).

Publication year

1992

Journal title

Rhode Island medicine

Volume

75

Issue

10

Page(s)

477-481

Abstract

Abstract

Obesity is a complex biopsychosocial phenomenon. It has a profound effect on patients' physical and psychological health. Due to the complexity of the problem and the recidivism following treatment, it is recommended that obese patients receive in-depth interdisciplinary evaluation to match them appropriately to comprehensive treatment. Participation in an interdisciplinary comprehensive active weight loss treatment program followed by participation in a professionally led biweekly behavioral maintenance program that included social influence and aerobic exercise has generated maintenance of 83% of initial weight loss at an 18-month follow up. This comprehensive multi-disciplinary treatment approach, best offered in a behavioral medicine center setting, represents state-of-the-art treatment at this time and can result in long-term medical and psychological benefits for the obese patient.

Exposure to environmental tobacco smoke in naturalistic settings

Emmons, K. M., Abrams, D. B., Marshall, R. J., Etzel, R. A., Novotny, T. E., Marcus, B. H., Kane, M. E., & Abrams, D. (n.d.).

Publication year

1992

Journal title

American journal of public health

Volume

82

Issue

1

Page(s)

24-28

10.2105/AJPH.82.1.24

Abstract

Abstract

Background. Exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) has been identified as a risk factor for chronic disease among nonsmokers. Results of epidemiological surveys suggest that the majority of nonsmokers have regular ETS exposure. However, little is known about the topography of exposure. Methods. An exposure diary was used by 186 nonsmokers to self-monitor ETS exposure over a 7-day period. Subjects also completed a questionnaire that assessed their patterns of ETS exposure. Results. The primary source of ETS exposure was the workplace, except when there was a smoker in the household, in which case the household was the primary source. The presence of a smoker in the household resulted in higher levels of exposure both at work and in other locations when compared with subjects without household exposure. Subjects' assessments of exposure on the questionnaire were consistently lower than their self-monitored levels. This finding suggests that general exposure ratings underestimate exposure. Conclusions. This study provides a new understanding of the patterns of ETS exposure and may help guide the development of policies and interventions designed to reduce ETS exposure.

Increased Saliva Cotinine Concentrations in Smokers During Rapid Weight Loss

Niaura, R. S., Clark, M. M., Raciti, M. A., Pera, V., & Abrams, D. (n.d.).

Publication year

1992

Journal title

Journal of consulting and clinical psychology

Volume

60

Issue

6

Page(s)

985-987

10.1037/0022-006X.60.6.985

Abstract

Abstract

Although the effect of smoking cessation on weight gain is well-documented, little is known about the effect of weight loss on smoking. We examined the association between saliva cotinine levels and weight loss in a group of 9 obese female smokers during participation in a protein-sparing modified fast (Optifast). For the first 3 months of treatment, subjects consumed only the protein-sparing supplement; for the next 3 months, food was gradually reintroduced. Body mass index and saliva cotinine concentration were assessed at study entry and at 3 and 6 months. A significant weight loss was noted at 3 and 6 months, yet the cotinine level increased significantly over this time. It is unclear whether the cotinine increase is due to metabolic changes or an actual increase in nicotine intake. The results suggest that smoking-related health risks may increase during periods of significant weight loss.

Motivational characteristics of smokers at the workplace : A public health challenge

Abrams, D. B., Biener, L., & Abrams, D. (n.d.).

Publication year

1992

Journal title

Preventive Medicine

Volume

21

Issue

6

Page(s)

679-687

10.1016/0091-7435(92)90075-S

Abstract

Abstract

Background. Few studies have focused on the motivational characteristics of smokers who do not volunteer for cessation. This study examined the relationship between demographic and selected psychosocial factors and motivation and intention to quit smoking among employed smokers at five worksites. In addition, the distributions of smokers who are at different stages of readiness to change their smoking behavior are presented. Results. Results indicate that, overall, less than 8% of employed smokers are currently ready to quit smoking and that blue-collar workers are lower in motivation than white-collar workers. Predictors of higher levels of motivation to quit smoking included higher socioeconomic status, maleness, lower levels of self-reported nicotine dependence, and stronger perceptions that smoking was against the social norms of the workplace. Conclusion. Implications for intervention, evaluation, and policy are discussed in the context of the challenge of making a public health impact on reducing overall smoking prevalence.

Nicotine dependence: Assessment and management

Brown, R., Goldstein, M., Niaura, R. S., Emmons, K., & Abrams, D. (n.d.). (A. Stoudemire & B. Vogel, Eds.; 2nd ed.).

Publication year

1992

Abstract

Abstract

~

Prevention and treatment of alcohol-related problems : Research opportunities. Committee to identify research opportunities in the prevention and treatment of alcohol-related problems

Meyer, R. E., Murray, R. F., Babor, T. F., Farquhar, J. W., Greenlick, M. R., Helzer, J. E., Holder, H. D., Kellam, S. G., Li, T. K., Woody, G. E., Abrams, D. B., Greenberg, B. S., Hingson, R., Fuller, R., McCrady, B. S., McLellan, T., Miller, W. R., Fraenkel, A., Solomon, F., & Abrams, D. (n.d.).

Publication year

1992

Journal title

Journal of Studies on Alcohol

Volume

53

Issue

1

Page(s)

5-16

10.15288/jsa.1992.53.5

Abstract

Abstract

This article summarizes the major themes, conclusions and recommendations of a 2-year study conducted for the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism by the Institute of Medicine. The study is devoted to the identification of research opportunities that will improve knowledge about the prevention and treatment of alcohol problems. In the first part of the report, the study committee examines the social and personal aspects of alcohol-related problems toward which prevention efforts are directed; delineates the features of a public health orientation that it deems most appropriate for the prevention task; discusses individual vulnerability to alcohol misuse; and reviews genetic, developmental and social learning perspectives on prevention. In the second part of the report, which is devoted to treatment research, the committee considers the underlying philosophical issues as well as the formidable methodological problems in conducting treatment research. Central to this is a broad review of promising treatment modalities and the research needed for developing effective patient-treatment matching schemes. In the final part of the report, the committee concludes that cooperative multisite research efforts are indispensable to the implementation of the research directions it recommends.

Restrictive workplace smoking policies : Impact on nonsmokers’ tobacco exposure

Marcus, B. H., Emmons, K. M., Abrams, D. B., Marshall, R. J., Kane, M., Novotny, T. E., Etzel, R. A., & Abrams, D. (n.d.).

Publication year

1992

Journal title

Journal of Public Health Policy

Volume

13

Issue

1

Page(s)

42-51

10.2307/3343057

Abstract

Abstract

The health consequences of exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) are well documented. Although nonsmokers are generally aware of the health risks of ETS exposure, the majority of nonsmokers are regularly exposed. The most common source of exposure is the workplace. Restrictive workplace smoking policies are being used as a primary means of reducing ETS exposure. However, few studies have focused on the relation between workplace policy and ETS exposure. We performed two studies which examined the relationship between smoking policy, self-reported ETS exposure, and salivary cotinine concentrations. Study 1, a pilot study, focused on a workplace-based sample of 106 volunteers; Study 2 examined exposure among 881 nonsmokers in workplace settings. In both studies, more restrictive workplace smoking policies were associated with a lower proportion of nonsmoking volunteers with detectable salivary cotinine. In Study 2, the larger study, the only other variable found to be significantly related to cotinine detection was the presence of smokers in the home. These results suggest that restrictive workplace smoking policies may reduce employees’ overall ETS exposure.

Smokers' reactions to interpersonal interaction and presentation of smoking cues

Niaura, R. S., Abrams, D., Pedraza, M., Monti, P. M., & Damaris J., R. (n.d.).

Publication year

1992

Journal title

Addictive Behaviors

Volume

17

Issue

6

Page(s)

557-566

10.1016/0306-4603(92)90065-4

Abstract

Abstract

This study examined smokers' reactions to smoking cues and interpersonal interaction. Fifty-six smokers were assigned at random to the six cells of a factorial design which varied the level of interpersonal interaction (role play with a confederate vs. confederate absent) and the level of exposure to smoking cues (no cues vs. visual cues vs. visual plus olfactory cues). Measures of reactivity included changes from resting baseline on blood pressure, heart rate, self-reported smoking urge, and a measure of ad lib smoking behavior obtained after exposure to the experimental procedures. Results showed that blood pressure responses increased significantly from baseline only during the role play situation where the confiderate manipulated an unlic cigarette or smoked a cigarette in view of the subjects. Although not significant, heart rate changes paralleled blood pressure changes, but urge ratings showed a different pattern of response to the manipulations. The latency to smoking a cigarette after the experimental manipulations was unaffected by the cues. The results suggest that modelling of smoking by others and exposure to some kinds of smoking cues may increase cardiovascular activation.

Smoking and treatment outcome for alcoholics : Effects on coping skills, urge to drink, and drinking rates

Abrams, D., Rohsenow, D. J., Niaura, R. S., Pedraza, M., Longabaugh, R., Beattie, M. C., Binkoff, J. A., Noel, N. E., & Monti, P. M. (n.d.).

Publication year

1992

Journal title

Behavior Therapy

Volume

23

Issue

2

Page(s)

283-297

10.1016/S0005-7894(05)80386-7

Abstract

Abstract

The interrelationship between alcohol and tobacco addiction is beginning to receive more attention because it has conceptual and practical significance for understanding and treating addictive disorders. This investigation focuses on the effects of smoking on risk for relapse after alcoholism treatment. The relationships between smoking and: (1) alcohol consumption rate and dependence at pretreatment, (2) reactions to coping with alcohol high-risk-for-relapse role plays, and (3) alcohol treatment outcome were investigated. These relationships were studied first in a sample of male VA alcoholics (n=45) and then replicated and extended in a different sample from a private hospital (n=53 females, 110 males). Smoking and drinking rate, and smoking and alcohol dependence, were significantly correlated at pretreatment. Smokers with greater dependence on cigarettes (i.e., higher Fagerstrom Tolerance Questionnaire scores; shorter latency to smoking first cigarette of the day) experienced significantly greater urge to drink, urge to smoke, difficulty, and anxiety in role plays of alcohol high-risk situations, independent of their pretreatment drinking rate or alcohol dependence. Smoking dependence did not predict mean number of drinks per day or frequency of drinking days during 6-month follow-up. In the private hospital sample, among alcoholics who drank at all during follow-up, the more dependent smokers drank more alcohol on drinking days than did the less dependent smokers. Implications for theory and treatment of addictive disorders are discussed.