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

Evaluating worksite smoking policies. Methodologic issues

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

Publication year

1989

Journal title

New York State Journal of Medicine

Volume

89

Issue

1

Page(s)

5-10

Abstract

Abstract

This paper discusses the methodologic issues one confronts when studying the impact of worksite smoking policies, using one such study as an example. Topic covered include defining the research questions, deciding on timing of measurements in relation to policy implementation, advantages and disadvantages of cohort versus cross-sectional research designs, and alternative measurement techniques. The sample study examined changes over one year in the smoking-related behaviors and attitudes of employees of a hospital that initiated a restrictive smoking policy, in relation to employees of a comparable hospital without a reductive policy. The short term impact on ambient carbon monoxide was also examined. A case is made for studying the impact of smoking policy in the context of other strategies for reducing smoking prevalence at the worksite, such as individual treatment and organization initiatives to motivate smoking cessation.

Irrational beliefs, urges to drink and drinking among alcoholics

Abrams, D., Rohsenow, D. J., Monti, P. M., Zwick, W. R., Nirenberg, T. D., Liepman, M. R., Binkhoff, J. A., & Abrams, D. B. (n.d.).

Publication year

1989

Journal title

Journal of Studies on Alcohol

Volume

50

Issue

5

Page(s)

461-464

10.15288/jsa.1989.50.461

Abstract

Abstract

The relationship of various irrational beliefs to alcohol dependence, urges to drink, anxiety and drinking after treatment was investigated for 63 male alcoholics, using Jones' Irrational Beliefs Test (IBT). Alcohol dependence was most strongly associated with problem avoidance. Urges to drink, anxiety and difficulty during alcohol-related role-plays were strongly correlated with problem avoidance and dwelling on negative events. The IBT was unrelated to pretreatment drinking measures but did predict 6-month posttreatment drinking (n = 48) which suggests these beliefs can mediate treatment response. Feeling doomed by the past was the best predictor of both frequency of drinking and average quantity consumed during follow-up. Treatment implications include targeting specific beliefs for intervention.

Reactivity to high risk situations and smoking cessation outcome.

Abrams, D., Niaura, R., Abrams, D. B., Monti, P. M., & Pedraza, M. (n.d.).

Publication year

1989

Journal title

Journal of substance abuse

Volume

1

Issue

4

Page(s)

393-405

Abstract

Abstract

Smokers' reactions to a laboratory assessment that simulated high-risk-for-smoking-relapse situations were monitored prior to and at the end of treatment for smoking cessation. Measures included self-reported urges to smoke, efficacy, anxiety, behaviorally rated coping effectiveness, and heart rate. Observed pretreatment responses were unrelated to smoking outcome at the end of treatment. Univariate analyses indicated that decreased efficacy and coping effectiveness and increased urges at the end of treatment were related to relapse during 6-month follow-up. However, multivariate analysis demonstrated that these relationships were a function of the end-of-treatment smoking level. When end-of-treatment smoking rate was controlled for statistically, only increased heart rate response during the assessment predicted smoking status at 6 months. The theoretical significance of the findings is discussed.

Reasons for Smoking and Severity of Residual Nicotine Withdrawal Symptoms When Using Nicotine Chewing Gum

Abrams, D., NIAURA, R. S., GOLDSTEIN, M. G., WARD, K. D., & ABRAMS, D. B. (n.d.).

Publication year

1989

Journal title

British Journal of Addiction

Volume

84

Issue

6

Page(s)

681-687

10.1111/j.1360-0443.1989.tb03485.x

Abstract

Abstract

Prior to smoking cessation treatment using nicotine chewing gum, 65 smokers completed the Horn Reasons for Smoking Test, the Fagerstrom Tolerance Questionnaire and were assessed on measures of smoking history including saliva cotinine concentration. These measures were used to predict severity of residual nicotine withdrawal symptoms and urges to smoke assessed on a daily basis during the first 2 weeks of attempted abstinence. Univariate analyses indicated that smoking for reasons of handling, craving and to cope with negative affect correlated positively with both residual withdrawal symptoms and urges during the first week. Smoking for reasons of stimulation and habit were also correlated positively with residual withdrawal, and smoking for pleasure correlated with urges to smoke. After controlling for concurrent level of nicotine gum use, analyses suggested that only smoking for reasons of stimulation predicted residual withdrawal. Urges to smoke were positively related to level of smoking during treatment and also to smoking for reasons of craving and handling. Thus, it appears that individual differences in reasons for smoking influence severity of residual nicotine withdrawal symptoms and urges to smoke while chewing nicotine gum. The findings for stimulation smoking and withdrawal are discussed in terms of the reinforcing properties of nicotine with different routes of administration.

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.

Treating alcohol dependence

Abrams, D., Monti, P., Abrams, D. S., Kadden, R., & Conney, N. (n.d.).

Publication year

1989

Abstract

Abstract

~

Cancer, stress and personality: a correlational investigation of life-events, repression-sensitization and locus of control

Abrams, D., Taylor, P., Abrams, D. S., & Hewstone, M. (n.d.).

Publication year

1988

Journal title

British Journal of Medical Psychology

Volume

61 (Pt 2)

Page(s)

179-183

Abstract

Abstract

~

Nicotine dependence as a predictor of treatment failure in a worksite smoking cessation protocol

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

Publication year

1988

Journal title

Addictive Behaviors

Volume

12

Page(s)

371-374

Abstract

Abstract

~

Properties of saliva cotinine in young adult light smokers

Abrams, D., Carey, K. B., & Abrams, D. B. (n.d.).

Publication year

1988

Journal title

American journal of public health

Volume

78

Issue

7

Page(s)

842-843

10.2105/AJPH.78.7.842

Abstract

Abstract

The half-life of saliva cotinine and its accuracy at detecting light or intermittent smoking were examined. Five subjects provided daily saliva samples for 23 days and quit smoking on day 4. An average of 2.8 days was required for saliva cotinine to drop below the cutoff for classification as a smoker. All smokers smoked intermittently at various times after day 9. In most cases the smoking of one or two cigarettes was detected in the saliva sample on subsequent days. Saliva cotinine was sensitive to low rates of smoking and to intermittent smoking.

Psychophysiologic reactivity and smoking

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

Publication year

1988

Abstract

Abstract

~

Reactivity to smoking cues and relapse : Two studies of discriminant validity

Abrams, D., Abrams, D. B., Monti, P. M., Carey, K. B., Pinto, R. P., & Jacobus, S. I. (n.d.).

Publication year

1988

Journal title

Behaviour Research and Therapy

Volume

26

Issue

3

Page(s)

225-233

10.1016/0005-7967(88)90003-4

Abstract

Abstract

Little is known about the role that smoking cues play in relapse after smoking cessation. Two studies examined the psychophysiologic, behavioral and cognitive reactions of Ss who participated in a smoking cue-exposure trial (CUET). Study 1 compared male relapsers, long-term quitters and nevers-mokers (controls). Relapsers had significantly higher anxiety and urges to smoke than either quitters or controls. Relapsers also had greater heart-rate (HR) reactivity and were rated by judges as having less effective coping skills than controls. In Study 2 the CUET was tested prospectively in a treatment outcome study for smoking cessation. Responses on the CUET at pre-treatment were related to smoking status at 6 months post-treatment. Prospective quitters had significantly less HR reactivity during the CUET and reported less anxiety than the smokers. There was some lack of consistency across response modes in the results of Studies 1 and 2. Taken together, the two studies suggest that reactivity to smoking cues may play a role in smoking relapse.

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.

Social learning approaches to alcohol relapse : Selected illustrations and implications

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

Publication year

1988

Journal title

NIDA Research Monograph Series

Issue

84

Page(s)

141-160

Abstract

Abstract

~

A step-care approach to smoking cessation

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

Publication year

1987

Journal title

Rhode Island Medical Journal

Volume

70

Issue

3

Page(s)

121-127

Abstract

Abstract

~

Alcohol and self-disclosure : Analyses of interpersonal behavior in male and female social drinkers

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

Publication year

1987

Journal title

Journal of Studies on Alcohol

Volume

48

Issue

5

Page(s)

401-409

10.15288/jsa.1987.48.401

Abstract

Abstract

~

Behavioral community psychology and the prevention of heart disease: Community applications of the PHHP

Abrams, D. (n.d.). (A. Baum & A. Herd, Eds.).

Publication year

1987

Volume

3

Abstract

Abstract

~

Behavioral medicine in industry: Primary prevention of cardiovascular disease

Abrams, D., Follick, M., Abrams, D. S., Pinto, R., & Fowler, J. (n.d.). (G. Stone & et al., Eds.).

Publication year

1987

Abstract

Abstract

~

Cardiovascular risk-factor reduction in the medical setting: A behavioral step-care approach

Abrams, D., Raciti, M., Ruggiero, L., Guise, B., & Follick, M. (n.d.). (A. Stoudemire & B. Fogel, Eds.).

Publication year

1987

Abstract

Abstract

~

Managing the obese patient

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

Publication year

1987

Journal title

Practicum

Abstract

Abstract

~

Nicotine dependence and likelihood of quitting smoking

Abrams, D., Pinto, R. P., Abrams, D. B., Monti, P. M., & Jacobus, S. I. (n.d.).

Publication year

1987

Journal title

Addictive Behaviors

Volume

12

Issue

4

Page(s)

371-374

10.1016/0306-4603(87)90052-9

Abstract

Abstract

This study examined the hypothesis that high nicotine dependent smokers would have more difficulty with initial cessation of smoking than low dependent smokers as measured by the Fagerstrom Tolerance Questionnaire (FTQ). Two replications of a nicotine-fading smoking program were conducted at different worksites. Significantly less heavily dependent smokers quit smoking during treatment. The correlation between the FTQ and smoking rate at posttreatment remained even when the pretreatment rate of smoking was partialled out. It was concluded that the concept of nicotine dependence should be re-examined especially in the context of improving the quit rates of behavioral programs at the worksite.

Psychosocial stress and coping in smokers who relapse or quit.

Abrams, D., Abrams, D. B., Monti, P. M., Pinto, R. P., Elder, J. P., Brown, R. A., & Jacobus, S. I. (n.d.).

Publication year

1987

Journal title

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

Volume

6

Issue

4

Page(s)

289-303

10.1037/0278-6133.6.4.289

Abstract

Abstract

Relapse remains a major problem in successful smoking cessation. This study evaluated selected responses and coping skills in male and female quitters and relapsers in four situational contexts: general social competence, smoking-specific "high-risk-for-relapse" situations, social anxiety, and relaxation. Results showed that quitters coped better than relapsers with intrapersonal (e.g., negative mood) smoking-specific situations. Quitters had lower heart rates than relapsers during relaxation and intrapersonal situations and had lower anxiety scores at the end of the procedures. Women showed more stress and less confidence in their ability to cope than did men. Groups did not differ in responses to the general social competence and social anxiety procedures. Results are discussed in the context of the importance of considering individual differences in responses and in coping skills for treatment and relapse prevention for smokers.

Reactivity of Alcoholics and Nonalcoholics to Drinking Cues

Abrams, D., Monti, P. M., Binkoff, J. A., Abrams, D. B., Zwick, W. R., Nirenberg, T. D., & Liepman, M. R. (n.d.).

Publication year

1987

Journal title

Journal of abnormal psychology

Volume

96

Issue

2

Page(s)

122-126

10.1037/0021-843X.96.2.122

Abstract

Abstract

An interest in reducing relapse among alcoholics has led to a consideration of stimulus control factors in drinking. Research suggests that through classical conditioning alcoholics may develop reactions to cues previously associated with drinking and that these reactions might be an important determinant of relapse. Although this model indicates the potential for cue exposure treatment methods to alter conditioned reactions, data on reactivity to alcohol cues by alcoholics and nonalcoholics are scarce. Two studies are presented that address this issue and provide evidence for the validity of salivation as a measure of cue reactivity. Alcoholics and nonalcoholics were presented with the sight and smell of their preferred brand of alcohol and a control beverage. Self-report, behavioral, and psychophysiological data were collected. Alcoholics salivated more than nonalcoholics to alcohol cues and more to alcohol than to the control beverage. Alcoholics salivated differentially to cues, whereas nonalcoholics did not. Patterns of reactivity were consistent with a conditioning model. Both groups reported greater urges to drink alcohol in the presence of alcohol, but neither group reported more thoughts about alcohol in the presence of alcohol as compared with the control beverage. Implications of salivary reactivity for theory and treatment are discussed.

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.

Social learning theory of alcohol use and abuse

Abrams, D., Abrams, D. S., & Niaura, R. S. (n.d.). (H. Blane & K. Leonard, Eds.).

Publication year

1987

Page(s)

131-178

Abstract

Abstract

~

Understanding the smoking problem and how to help patients stop : current status of the field. New behavioral treatments prompt cautious optimism on controlling tobacco addiction.

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

Publication year

1987

Journal title

Rhode Island medical journal

Volume

70

Issue

3

Page(s)

121-126

Abstract

Abstract

~