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

Recommended core items to assess e-cigarette use in population-based surveys

Abrams, D., Pearson, J. L., Hitchman, S. C., Brose, L. S., Bauld, L., Glasser, A. M., Villanti, A. C., McNeill, A., Abrams, D. B., & Cohen, J. E. (n.d.).

Publication year

2018

Journal title

Tobacco control

Volume

27

Issue

3

Page(s)

341-346

10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2016-053541

Abstract

Abstract

A consistent approach using standardised items to assess e-cigarette use in both youth and adult populations will aid cross-survey and cross-national comparisons of the effect of e-cigarette (and tobacco) policies and improve our understanding of the population health impact of e-cigarette use. Focusing on adult behaviour, we propose a set of e-cigarette use items, discuss their utility and potential adaptation, and highlight e-cigarette constructs that researchers should avoid without further item development. Reliable and valid items will strengthen the emerging science and inform knowledge synthesis for policy-making. Building on informal discussions at a series of international meetings of 65 experts from 15 countries, the authors provide recommendations for assessing e-cigarette use behaviour, relative perceived harm, device type, presence of nicotine, flavours and reasons for use. We recommend items assessing eight core constructs: e-cigarette ever use, frequency of use and former daily use; relative perceived harm; device type; primary flavour preference; presence of nicotine; and primary reason for use. These items should be standardised or minimally adapted for the policy context and target population. Researchers should be prepared to update items as e-cigarette device characteristics change. A minimum set of e-cigarette items is proposed to encourage consensus around items to allow for cross-survey and cross-jurisdictional comparisons of e-cigarette use behaviour. These proposed items are a starting point. We recognise room for continued improvement, and welcome input from e-cigarette users and scientific colleagues.

Recruitment of work sites to a health promotion research trial implications for generalizability

Abrams, D., Biener, L., DePue, J. D., Emmons, K. M., Linnan, L., & Abrams, D. B. (n.d.).

Publication year

1994

Journal title

Journal of Occupational Medicine

Volume

36

Issue

6

Page(s)

631-636

Abstract

Abstract

The characteristics of companies that either accepted or declined participation in a 5-year randomized trial of a multirisk factor health promotion intervention were compared to investigate potential limitations on the generalizability of research findings. A representative sample of 151 manufacturing work sites in the northeast was recruited to participate. Sixty-four of the companies were determined to be eligible and 10 others, which refused to have an administrator interviewed, were presumed to be eligible. Of this group, 27 companies agreed to participate. Workforce demographics, shift structure, and prior history of health promotion offerings were not significantly different in the two groups. However, participating companies employed fewer workers and had a more favorable financial outlook than did companies that declined to participate. Implications of these findings for research on work site health promotion are discussed.

Reducing the cancer burden of lifestyle factors : Opportunities and challenges of the internet

Abrams, D., Graham, A. L., & Abrams, D. B. (n.d.).

Publication year

2005

Journal title

Journal of medical Internet research

Volume

7

Issue

3

10.2196/jmir.7.3.e26

Abstract

Abstract

This paper focuses on the Internet as a tool for enhancing behavior and lifestyle changes to reduce the burden of cancer at a population level. The premise of this paper is that the Internet can and should be leveraged to bridge the chasm between basic science, clinical trials, and public health. Our focus is specifically on the opportunity to disseminate effective behavioral science interventions via the Internet in order to decrease the prevalence of behavioral risk factors for cancer. The examples herein are primarily drawn from tobacco use to illustrate issues that can be applied more generally to other behavioral risk factors for cancer. Four areas will be addressed: (1) the scientific basis and rationale for delivering lifestyle behavior change interventions via the Internet; (2) the need to determine the quality of Internet interventions; (3) methodological considerations in conducting evaluations of Internet interventions; and (4) recommendations for a transdisciplinary approach to Internet intervention development and evaluation.

Reducing the risk of cancer through worksite intervention

Abrams, D., Heimendinger, J., Thompson, B., Ockene, J., Sorensen, G., Abrams, D. S., Emmons, K., Varnes, J., Eriksen, M. P., Probart, C., & Himmelstein, J. (n.d.).

Publication year

1990

Journal title

Occupational medicine (Philadelphia, Pa.)

Volume

5

Issue

4

Page(s)

707-723

Abstract

Abstract

This chapter examines existing activities reported in the literature in the areas of smoking, nutrition, and screening; explores the prominent theories of behavior change that have guided some of these activities; and presents a model for worksite cancer prevention programs that is currently being tested in a large trial. A major theme of this chapter is the need for simultaneous changes in individual behaviors and the worksite environment. For each factor (smoking, nutrition, and screening) the discussion is divided into interventions for individuals and those for the environment or organization.

Rejoinder to “Comments on ‘Challenges to improving the impact of worksite cancer prevention programs’: Paradigm lost or paradigm found? Important trade-offs and realities of conducting worksite- and community-based research.

Abrams, D., Linnan, L., Klar, N., Emmons, K., LaForge, R., Fava, J., & Abrams, D. S. (n.d.).

Publication year

2003

Journal title

Annals of Behavioral Medicine

Volume

26

Issue

3

Page(s)

222-223

Abstract

Abstract

~

Relationships of personality and psychiatric disorders to multiple domains of smoking motives and dependence in middle-aged adults

Abrams, D., Kahler, C. W., Leventhal, A. M., Daughters, S. B., Clark, M. A., Colby, S. M., Ramsey, S. E., Boergers, J., Abrams, D. B., Niaura, R. S., & Buka, S. L. (n.d.).

Publication year

2010

Journal title

Nicotine and Tobacco Research

Volume

12

Issue

4

Page(s)

381-389

10.1093/ntr/ntq014

Abstract

Abstract

Introduction: Individual differences in psychopathology and personality may associate with dependence on smoking for specific motivational reasons. However, the associations among psychopathology, personality, and smoking dependence and motives have not been examined simultaneously in studies to date, leaving it unclear whether specific patterns of affective and behavioral functioning are associated with specific aspects of smoking dependence. Methods: The present study examined these associations in 296 current smokers aged 35-43 years. Smoking dependence and motives were assessed with structured interview, the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence, and the Wisconsin Inventory of Smoking Dependence Motives. Results: Regardless of the measure of smoking dependence tested, a lifetime history of major depression and high levels of trait stress reaction were consistently related to greater current smoking dependence severity. Substance dependence showed significant associations with some measures of smoking dependence but had relatively few effects when entered in models along with depression history and trait stress reaction. In multivariate models, alcohol dependence and conduct disorder history did not show unique significant associations with smoking dependence nor did trait aggression, alienation, control, or harm avoidance. Discussion: Results indicate little specificity in the associations of particular psychiatric diagnoses or personality traits with specific self-reported facets of smoking dependence. It appears that orga general vulnerability to depression and negative emotions is the most robust indicator of vulnerability to high levels of self-reported smoking dependence, regardless of which dimensions of smoking dependence are analyzed.

Relevance of Cue Reactivity to Understanding Alcohol and Smoking Relapse

Abrams, D., Niaura, R. S., Rohsenow, D. J., Binkoff, J. A., Monti, P. M., Pedraza, M., & Abrams, D. B. (n.d.).

Publication year

1988

Journal title

Journal of abnormal psychology

Volume

97

Issue

2

Page(s)

133-152

10.1037/0021-843X.97.2.133

Abstract

Abstract

Several learning-based theories have been forwarded to account for the problem of drug relapse, including conditioned withdrawal, conditioned compensatory responding, appetitive motivational models, and social learning models. The various models are compared and evaluated against available evidence from studies with humans pertaining to alcohol and tobacco addiction. Studies that are reviewed focus primarily on the antecedents and consequences of alcohol and smoking relapse, as well as on reactions to cues that have been associated with prior drug ingestion, in an attempt to understand their motivational relevance. Problems in evaluating the various relapse models in humans are discussed. It is concluded that the appetitive model is better supported than withdrawal model, and the compensatory model is least supported. Reactions to substance use stimuli may play an important role in alcohol and smoking relapse. Concepts drawn from the various theoretical models are linked tentatively in a schematic diagram of a hypothesized sequence of cognitive/affective, physiological, and behavioral events that lead to initial drug use after a period of abstinence (slip) and then to continued use (a relapse). The treatment implications of some of the cue reactivity models are discussed.

Response to social stress, urge to smoke, and smoking cessation

Abrams, D., Niaura, R., Shadel, W. G., Britt, D. M., & Abrams, D. B. (n.d.).

Publication year

2002

Journal title

Addictive Behaviors

Volume

27

Issue

2

Page(s)

241-250

10.1016/S0306-4603(00)00180-5

Abstract

Abstract

Motivational theories of drug use have assigned negative affect a central role in determining drug urges and drug relapse. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of social stress on smoking urges in a controlled laboratory setting, and the relation of these responses to short-term (3-month) smoking cessation outcomes. Prior to a clinic-based smoking cessation program, 76 (64% female) smokers were assessed for their affective, cognitive, and physiological responses during the Borkovec social anxiety induction procedure. These responses were used to predict smoking urges immediately after the procedure and to predict abstinence at 3-month follow-up posttreatment. As expected, during the induction, urge to smoke was positively associated with anxiety ratings and negatively associated with self-efficacy to resist smoking. However, only heart rate increase and behavioral social skill (observed by independent judges) predicted smoking abstinence at 3 months. These results suggest that subjective affective and efficacy responses during a stressful social encounter are associated with smoking urges; however, urges and these responses may be related in different ways to the probability of smoking cessation.

Responses to smoking-related stimuli and early relapse to smoking

Abrams, D., Niaura, R. S., Abrams, D. S., Demuth, B., Pinto, R., & Monti, P. (n.d.).

Publication year

1989

Journal title

Addictive Behaviors

Volume

14

Issue

4

Page(s)

419-428

10.1016/0306-4603(89)90029-4

Abstract

Abstract

Prior to engaging in treatment for smoking cessation, subjects were tested for their responsiveness to cigarette smoking cues. Subjects performed a role-play with a confederate who lit their preferred brand of cigarette. Heart rate (HR) and galvanic skin conductance were assessed continuously, while urge to smoke and anxiety were rated subjectively after the role-play. Three months after treatment ended, subjects were divided into groups of continuous quitters, verified by expired carbon monoxide measurement, and relapsers. The results showed a significant difference between the groups in the pattern of pretreatment HR response to the lighting of the cigarette; relapsers displayed a sharp HR deceleration in response to the stimulus, while quitters' HR did not decelerate. The theoretical and clinical significance of these results is discussed.

Restrictive workplace smoking policies : Impact on nonsmokers’ tobacco exposure

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

Retraction : Changes in Tobacco Dependence and Association with Onset and Progression of Use by Product Type from Wave 1 to Wave 3 of the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study (Nicotine & Tobacco Research (2022) (ntac167) DOI: 10.1093/ntr/ntac167)

Abrams, D., Strong, D. R., Pierce, J. P., White, M., Stone, M. D., Abrams, D. B., Glasser, A. M., Wackowski, O. A., Cummings, K. M., Hyland, A., Taylor, K., Edwards, K. C., Silveira, M. L., Kimmel, H. L., Lambert, E. Y., Compton, W. M., Hull, L. C., & Niaura, R. S. (n.d.).

Publication year

2023

Journal title

Nicotine and Tobacco Research

Volume

25

Issue

3

Page(s)

580

10.1093/ntr/ntac223

Abstract

Abstract

Following article publication, the authors became aware of an error in how the tobacco dependence data for some e-cigarette users was used in the analysis of this article. The authors immediately alerted the journal editor to this unintentional error, which they have determined materially impacts the conclusions and implications of the article. The authors are, therefore, retracting this article.

Role of e-cigarettes and pharmacotherapy during attempts to quit cigarette smoking : The PATH Study 2013-16

Abrams, D., Pierce, J. P., Benmarhnia, T., Chen, R., White, M., Abrams, D. B., Ambrose, B. K., Blanco, C., Borek, N., Choi, K., Coleman, B., Compton, W. M., Michael Cummings, K., Delnevo, C. D., Elton-Marshall, T., Goniewicz, M. L., Gravely, S., Fong, G. T., Hatsukami, D., … Messer, K. (n.d.).

Publication year

2020

Journal title

PloS one

Volume

15

Issue

9

10.1371/journal.pone.0237938

Abstract

Abstract

Background More smokers report using e-cigarettes to help them quit than FDA-approved pharmacotherapy. Objective To assess the association of e-cigarettes with future abstinence from cigarette and tobacco use. Design Cohort study of US sample, with annual follow-up. Participants US adult (ages 18+) daily cigarette smokers identified at Wave 1 (W1; 2013-14) of the PATH Study, who reported a quit attempt before W2 and completed W3 (n = 2443). Exposures Use of e-cigarettes, pharmacotherapy (including nicotine replacement therapy), or no product for last quit attempt (LQA), and current daily e-cigarette use at W2. Analysis Propensity score matching (PSM) of groups using different methods to quit. Outcome measures 12+ months abstinence at W3 from cigarettes and from all tobacco (including e-cigarettes). 30+ days abstinence at W3 was a secondary outcome. Results Among daily smokers with an LQA, 23.5% used e-cigarettes, 19.3% used pharmacotherapy only (including NRT) and 57.2% used no product. Cigarette abstinence for 12+ months at W3 was ~10% in each group. Half of the cigarette abstainers in the e-cigarette group were using e-cigarettes at W3. Different methods to help quitting had statistically comparable 12+ month cigarette abstinence at W3 (e-cigarettes vs no product: Risk Difference (RD) = 0.01, 95% CI: -0.04 to 0.06; e-cigarettes vs pharmacotherapy: RD = 0.02, 95% CI:-0.04 to 0.09). Likewise, daily e-cigarette users at W2 did not show a cessation benefit over comparable no-e-cigarette users and this finding was robust to sensitivity analyses. Abstinence for 30+ days at W3 was also similar across products. Limitations The frequency of e-cigarette use during the LQA was not assessed, nor was it possible to assess continuous abstinence from the LQA. Conclusion Among US daily smokers who quit cigarettes in 2014-15, use of e-cigarettes in that attempt compared to approved cessation aids or no products showed similar abstinence rates 1-2 years later.

Roles of psychosocial stress, smoking cues, and coping in smoking relapse prevention

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

Publication year

1986

Journal title

Health Psychology

Volume

5

Page(s)

91-92

Abstract

Abstract

~

Saliva cotinine as a measure of smoking status in field settings

Abrams, D., Abrams, D. B., Follick, M. J., Biener, L., Carey, K. B., & Hitti, J. (n.d.).

Publication year

1987

Journal title

American journal of public health

Volume

77

Issue

7

Page(s)

846-848

10.2105/AJPH.77.7.846

Abstract

Abstract

The accuracy and reliability of saliva cotinine as an objective measure of smoking status was examined in two field studies. In Study I, saliva was collected from smokers and nonsmokers with repeated samples taken from a randomly selected subset of the smokers. Results indicated perfect classification of smokers versus nonsmokers and acceptable reliability of repeated samples. Study II investigated the accuracy of saliva cotinine in detecting recent quitters in a worksite smoking cessation program. Saliva cotinine showed greater accuracy than expired carbon monoxide at detecting quitters, provided they were abstinent for at least seven days. From pre- to post-treatment, subject's saliva cotinine levels dropped 19 per cent while self-reported rate of smoking dropped 54 per cent. Saliva collection in the field is feasible and cotinine appears to be one of the more sensitive assays currently available for epidemiologic and clinical applications.

Scripted imagery manipulations and smoking cue reactivity in a clinical sample of self-quitters

Abrams, D., Shadel, W. G., Niaura, R. S., Abrams, D. B., Goldstein, M. G., Rohsenow, D. J., Sirota, A. D., & Monti, P. M. (n.d.).

Publication year

1998

Journal title

Experimental and Clinical Psychopharmacology

Volume

6

Issue

2

Page(s)

179-186

10.1037/1064-1297.6.2.179

Abstract

Abstract

The affectively valenced scripts used by S. Tiffany (1990) suggest that different scripts produce relatively equivalent levels of cue reactivity, although it is unclear if these laboratory findings generalize to clinical samples. In this study, cessation-motivated smokers were tested 7 days before they tried to quit smoking and were exposed to 3 audiotaped scripts that depicted different affectively valenced situations (neutral, positive, or negative). The latter 2 scripts also contained smoking cues. The findings using a clinical sample differed considerably from those using analogue laboratory samples across affective, cognitive, and physiological response measures. Reactivity to these standardized scripts failed to predict treatment outcome through a 30-day follow-up. The use of affectively valenced scripts beyond a laboratory sample is questioned.

Self-Efficacy in Weight Management

Abrams, D., Clark, M. M., Abrams, D. B., Niaura, R. S., Eaton, C. A., & Rossi, J. S. (n.d.).

Publication year

1991

Journal title

Journal of consulting and clinical psychology

Volume

59

Issue

5

Page(s)

739-744

10.1037/0022-006X.59.5.739

Abstract

Abstract

Self-efficacy is an important mediating mechanism in advancing understanding of the treatment of obesity. This study developed and validated the Weight Efficacy Life-Style Questionnaire (WEL), improving on previous studies by the use of clinical populations, cross-validation of the initial factor analysis, exploration of the best fitting theoretical model of self-efficacy, and examination of change in treatment. The resulting 20-item WEL consists of five situational factors: Negative Emotions, Availability, Social Pressure, Physical Discomfort, and Positive Activities. A hierarchical model was found to provide the best fit to the data. Results from two separate clinical treatment studies (total N = 382) show that the WEL is sensitive to changes in global scores as well as to a subset of the five situational factor scores. Treatment programs may be incomplete if they change only a subset of the situational dimensions of self-efficacy. Theoretical and clinical implications are discussed.

Self-monitoring and reactivity in the modification of cigarette smoking

Abrams, D., Abrams, D. B., & Wilson, G. T. (n.d.).

Publication year

1979

Journal title

Journal of consulting and clinical psychology

Volume

47

Issue

2

Page(s)

243-251

10.1037/0022-006X.47.2.243

Abstract

Abstract

The reactive effects of self-monitoring (SM) as a function of varying the specific nature of the target behavior and the perceived negative consequences of the behavior were investigated with 40 20-55 yr old chronic smokers (at least 15 cigarettes/day for 2 yrs). Ss were assigned to 1 of 4 conditions from stratified blocks based on initial smoking rates: (a) SM nicotine plus health hazard information; (b) SM nicotine with no health hazard information; (c) SM cigarettes plus health information; and (d) SM cigarettes with no health information. Ss self-monitored during a 4-wk nondemand phase and during a 4-wk treatment phase or until they quit smoking. The 2 nicotine SM groups showed greater reactivity. There were no differences among groups as a function of exposure to health hazard information. Results are discussed in relation to models of self-control and previous investigations of other parameters of reactive SM. (27 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved).

Smokers' reactions to interpersonal interaction and presentation of smoking cues

Abrams, D., Niaura, R. S., Abrams, D. B., 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 among alcoholics during and after treatment: Implications for models, treatment strategies and policy

Abrams, D., Monti, P., Rohsenow, D., Colby, S., & Abrams, D. S. (n.d.). (J. Fertig & J. Allen, Eds.).

Publication year

1995

Abstract

Abstract

~

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

Abrams, D., Abrams, D. B., 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.

Smoking at Home : The Impact of Smoking Cessation on Nonsmokers' Exposure to Environmental Tobacco Smoke

Abrams, D., Emmons, K. M., Hammond, S. K., & Abrams, D. B. (n.d.).

Publication year

1994

Journal title

Health Psychology

Volume

13

Issue

6

Page(s)

516-520

10.1037/0278-6133.13.6.516

Abstract

Abstract

Nonsmokers who live with smokers are at increased risk for chronic disease. This study evaluated the impact of eliminating smoking in the home on nonsmokers' environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure. Nonsmokers participated in measurements of their ETS exposure before and after the smoker in their home quit smoking. A matched comparison group of nonsmokers from nonsmoking homes was also included. ETS exposure was assessed using passive nicotine monitors, an exposure diary, and a questionnaire. Nonsmokers from smoking homes had significantly higher exposure to ETS than those from nonsmoking homes. There was a 60% reduction in nicotine levels following smoking cessation by the household smoker. However, there were still detectable levels of nicotine measured at posttest. These results have important implications for individual risk reduction and public health policy.

Smoking cessation : Progress, priorities, and prospectus

Abrams, D., Niaura, R. S., & Abrams, D. B. (n.d.).

Publication year

2002

Journal title

Journal of consulting and clinical psychology

Volume

70

Issue

3

Page(s)

494-509

10.1037/0022-006X.70.3.494

Abstract

Abstract

The authors review developments in understanding smoking cessation interventions over the past decade. Noteworthy is the unprecedented growth of research and knowledge that has left a deeper understanding of how best to use new and existing behavioral and pharmacologic tools and strategies to help smokers quit. The status of public-health-level interventions is evaluated, questions are raised concerning their efficacy, and suggestions are offered for further refinement of these intervention strategies. Development of cessation guidelines is reviewed, and the state of knowledge concerning behavioral and pharmacologic interventions is summarized. The authors also present agendas for behavioral and pharmacologic research related to smoking cessation and discuss individual difference factors among smokers that may prove to be important in designing new and refining existing treatments.

Smoking cessation at the workplace: Conceptual and practical issues

Abrams, D., Abrams, D. S., Emmons, K., Linnan, L., & Biener, L. (n.d.). (R. Richmond, Ed.).

Publication year

1994

Abstract

Abstract

~

Smoking cessation treatment on the Internet : Content, quality, and usability

Abrams, D., Bock, B. C., Graham, A. L., Sciamanna, C. N., Krishnamoorthy, J., Whiteley, J., Carmona-Barros, R., Niaura, R. S., & Abrams, D. B. (n.d.).

Publication year

2004

Journal title

Nicotine and Tobacco Research

Volume

6

Issue

2

Page(s)

207-219

10.1080/14622200410001676332

Abstract

Abstract

The explosive growth in access to the Internet suggests that the Internet may be a viable channel through which we can reach and treat the large population of smokers who are unlikely to use other modes of intervention. We applied national guidelines from the U.S. Public Health Service to assess the quality of interventions for smoking cessation that are available on the Internet. The Public Health Service guidelines were codified into two instruments to record and to rate quality of the intervention contents. Usability guidelines established by the National Cancer Institute were used to develop an instrument to assess Web site usability. Of the 202 Web sites identified in searches, 77% did not provide direct intervention over the Internet and were excluded from analyses. A total of 46 Web sites were included in our review. Usability assessments showed mixed results. Web sites were visually well organized and used consistent graphical design; however, reading difficulty averaged above the 8th-grade level. Over 80% of Web sites provided no coverage of one or more of the key components of tobacco treatment recommended in the guidelines. Ironically, areas receiving the least coverage were those most amenable to the interactive capabilities of the Internet, such as providing tailored, personalized advice to quit and arranging follow-up contact. Smokers seeking quality tobacco dependence treatment on the Internet may have difficulty distinguishing among the numerous Web sites available. Web sites that provide direct treatment often fail to fully implement treatment guidelines and do not take full advantage of the interactive and tailoring capabilities of the Internet.

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

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

Publication year

1993

Journal title

Rhode Island medicine

Volume

76

Issue

10

Page(s)

510-514

Abstract

Abstract

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