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

Transdermal clonidine for smoking cessation : A double-blind randomized dose-response study

Abrams, D., Niaura, R. S., Brown, R. A., Goldstein, M. G., Murphy, J. K., & Abrams, D. B. (n.d.).

Publication year

1996

Journal title

Experimental and Clinical Psychopharmacology

Volume

4

Issue

3

Page(s)

285-291

10.1037/1064-1297.4.3.285

Abstract

Abstract

A 4-week trial tested the effects of 4 doses (placebo, 0.1 mg/d, 0.2 mg/d, and 0.3 mg/d) of transdermal clonidine on smoking cessation and nicotine withdrawal. After a 1-week baseline, smokers (N = 72) started the drug and tried to quit by Week 3. Significantly fewer smokers who received a placebo were abstinent at 5 days after quitting as compared with smokers who received clonidine at any dose (19% vs. 57%, respectively, p = .007). Blood clonidine concentration interacted with nicotine dependence (p < .05): High-dependence smokers who achieved higher blood clonidine concentrations survived longer before smoking a cigarette after quitting, as compared with high-dependence smokers who achieved lower blood levels. Changes from baseline in heart rate, blood pressure, appetite, irritability, and anxiety were inversely associated with blood clonidine concentrations.

Transdisciplinary concepts and measures of craving : Commentary and future directions

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

Publication year

2000

Journal title

Addiction

Volume

95 Suppl 2

Page(s)

S237-246

10.1080/09652140050111807

Abstract

Abstract

A new theoretical model of craving is needed that uses a common language and standardized measures. The new conceptual model must fully integrate discoveries from cellular biology, neuroscience, animal and human laboratory, cognitive-behavioral social learning and socio-cultural disciplines. A transdisciplinary synthesis can then guide methods and measurement development. Mapping the structural pathways and interactions among mediators and moderators of craving will improve the diagnostic and prognostic tools in order to inform new treatments and prevention strategies.

Transdisciplinary paradigms for tobacco prevention research

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

Publication year

1999

Journal title

Nicotine and Tobacco Research

Volume

1

Issue

SUPPL. 1

Page(s)

S15-23

10.1080/14622299050011541

Abstract

Abstract

~

Transdisciplinary research to improve brief interventions for addictive behaviors

Abrams, D., Abrams, D. S., & Clayton, R. (n.d.). (P. Monti, S. Colby, T. O&#39, & Leary, Eds.).

Publication year

2001

Abstract

Abstract

~

Transdisciplinary tobacco use research

Abrams, D., Abrams, D. B., Leslie, F., Mermelstein, R., Kobus, K., & Clayton, R. R. (n.d.).

Publication year

2003

Journal title

Nicotine and Tobacco Research

Volume

5

Issue

SUPPL. 1

Page(s)

S5-10

10.1080/14622200310001625519

Abstract

Abstract

~

Transitions in electronic cigarette use among adults in the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study, Waves 1 and 2 (2013-2015)

Abrams, D., Coleman, B., Rostron, B., Johnson, S. E., Persoskie, A., Pearson, J., Stanton, C., Choi, K., Anic, G., Goniewicz, M. L., Cummings, K. M., Kasza, K. A., Silveira, M. L., Delnevo, C., Niaura, R. S., Abrams, D. B., Kimmel, H. L., Borek, N., Compton, W. M., & Hyland, A. (n.d.).

Publication year

2019

Journal title

Tobacco control

Volume

28

Issue

1

Page(s)

50-59

10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2017-054174

Abstract

Abstract

Introduction This study assessed patterns of e-cigarette and cigarette use from Wave 1 to Wave 2 among adult e-cigarette users at Wave 1 of the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study. Methods We examined changes in e-cigarette use frequency at Wave 2 among adult e-cigarette users at Wave 1 (unweighted n=2835). Adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) were calculated using a predicted marginal probability approach to assess correlates of e-cigarette discontinuance and smoking abstinence at Wave 2. Results Half (48.8%) of adult e-cigarette users at Wave 1 discontinued their use of e-cigarettes at Wave 2. Among dual users of e-cigarettes and cigarettes at Wave 1, 44.3% maintained dual use, 43.5% discontinued e-cigarette use and maintained cigarette smoking and 12.1% discontinued cigarette use at Wave 2, either by abstaining from cigarette smoking only (5.1%) or discontinuing both products (7.0%). Among dual users at Wave 1, daily e-cigarette users were more likely than non-daily users to report smoking abstinence at Wave 2 (aPR=1.40, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.91). Using a customisable device (rather than a non-customisable one) was not significantly related to smoking abstinence at Wave 2 (aPR=1.14, 95% CI 0.81 to 1.60). Conclusions This study suggests that e-cigarette use patterns are highly variable over a 1-year period. This analysis provides the first nationally representative estimates of transitions among US adult e-cigarette users. Future research, including additional waves of the PATH Study, can provide further insight into long-term patterns of e-cigarette use critical to understanding the net population health impact of e-cigarettes in USA.

Transitions in tobacco product use by u.S. adults between 2013–2014 and 2014–2015 : Findings from the path study wave 1 and wave 2

Abrams, D., Kasza, K. A., Borek, N., Conway, K. P., Goniewicz, M. L., Stanton, C. A., Sharma, E., Fong, G. T., Abrams, D. B., Coleman, B., Schneller, L. M., Lambert, E. Y., Pearson, J. L., Bansal-Travers, M., Murphy, I., Cheng, Y. C., Donaldson, E. A., Feirman, S. P., Gravely, S., … Hyland, A. J. (n.d.).

Publication year

2018

Journal title

International journal of environmental research and public health

Volume

15

Issue

11

10.3390/ijerph15112515

Abstract

Abstract

In 2013–2014, nearly 28% of adults in the United States (U.S.) were current tobacco users with cigarettes the most common product used and with nearly 40% of tobacco users using two or more tobacco products. We describe overall change in prevalence of tobacco product use and within-person transitions in tobacco product use in the U.S. between 2013–2014 and 2014–2015 for young adults (18–24 years) and older adults (25+ years). Data from Wave 1 (W1, 2013–2014) and Wave 2 (W2, 2014–2015) of the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study were analyzed (N = 34,235). Tobacco product types were categorized into: (1) combustible (cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco, hookah), (2) noncombustible (smokeless tobacco, snus pouches, dissolvable tobacco), and (3) electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS). Transitions for individual combustible-product types, and for single-and multiple-product use, were also considered. Overall prevalence of current tobacco use decreased from 27.6% to 26.3%. Among W1 non-tobacco users, 88.7% of young adults and 95.8% of older adults were non-tobacco users at W2. Among W1 tobacco users, 71.7% of young adults transitioned, with 20.7% discontinuing use completely, and 45.9% of older adults transitioned, with 12.5% discontinuing use completely. Continuing with/transitioning toward combustible product(s), particularly cigarettes, was more common than continuing with/transitioning toward ENDS. Tobacco use behaviors were less stable among young adults than older adults, likely reflecting greater product experimentation among young adults. Relative stability of cigarette use compared to other tobacco products (except older adult noncombustible use) demonstrates high abuse liability for cigarettes.

Treating alcohol dependence

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

Publication year

1989

Abstract

Abstract

~

Treating alcohol dependence: A coping skills training guide

Abrams, D., Monti, P., Kadden, R., Rohsenow, D., Cooney, N., & Abrams, D. S. (n.d.). (2nd ed.).

Publication year

2002

Abstract

Abstract

~

Treating nicotine dependence: Pharmacologic and behavioral approaches

Abrams, D., Niaura, R. S., Bock, B., Goldstein, M., Abrams, D. S., & Brown, R. (n.d.). (H. Rommelspacher & M. Schuckitt, Eds.).

Publication year

1996

Abstract

Abstract

~

Treatment issues: Towards a stepped care model

Abrams, D., Abrams, D. S., 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

~

Understanding relapse and recovery in alcohol abuse

Abrams, D., Abrams, D. S., Niaura, R. S., Carey, K., Binkoff, J., & Monti, P. (n.d.).

Publication year

1986

Journal title

Annals of Behavioral Medicine

Volume

8

Page(s)

27-32

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

~

US attitudes about banning menthol in cigarettes : Results from a nationally representative survey

Abrams, D., Winickoff, J. P., McMillen, R. C., Vallone, D. M., Pearson, J. L., Tanski, S. E., Dempsey, J. H., Healton, C., Klein, J. D., & Abrams, D. S. (n.d.).

Publication year

2011

Journal title

American journal of public health

Volume

101

Issue

7

Page(s)

1234-1236

10.2105/AJPH.2011.300146

Abstract

Abstract

Menthol is a cigarette flavoring that makes smoking more appealing to smokers. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has regulatory authority to ban mentholated cigarettes to reduce youth uptake and encourage adult cessation. Survey findings indicate that more than half of all Americans (56.1%) and of Blacks alone (68.0% in one sample and 75.8% in another) support banning menthol. Endorsement of a ban-especially by Blacks, who have the highest rates of menthol cigarette use-would support FDA action to ban menthol to protect the public's health.

Use of a 24-hour recall diary to assess exposure to environmental tobacco smoke

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

Publication year

1996

Journal title

Archives of Environmental Health

Volume

51

Issue

2

Page(s)

146-149

10.1080/00039896.1996.9936008

Abstract

Abstract

Methods to assess exposure to environmental tobacco smoke need to be valid and relatively easy to use. We therefore explored the use of a 24-h environmental tobacco smoke exposure-recall diary by comparing data from the 24-h diary with questionnaire responses and levels of salivary cotinine—a biochemical marker of environmental tobacco smoke exposure. A total of 875 nonsmokers at five Rhode Island worksites participated in the study. Twenty-five percent of the participants lived with smokers, and 96% had regular exposure to environmental tobacco smoke at work. Individuals who lived with smokers reported more exposures in the 24-h diary, both outside of work and during work hours, compared with those who had no smokers in their household. The correlation between saliva cotinine concentrations and the exposures recorded in the diary was weak (r =.10). Brief instruments for assessment of environmental tobacco smoke should be viewed cautiously, and use of this 24-h recall diary is not recommended.

Usefulness of physical exercise for maintaining smoking cessation in women

Abrams, D., Marcus, B. H., Albrecht, A. E., Niaura, R. S., Abrams, D. B., & Thompson, P. D. (n.d.).

Publication year

1991

Journal title

The American Journal of Cardiology

Volume

68

Issue

4

Page(s)

406-407

10.1016/0002-9149(91)90843-A

Abstract

Abstract

Successful smoking cessation is a problem for many smokers and the 1-year quit ratio among smokers is

Using the stages of change model to increase the adoption of physical activity among community participants

Abrams, D., Marcus, B. H., Banspach, S. W., Lefebvre, R. C., Rossi, J. S., Carleton, R. A., & Abrams, D. B. (n.d.).

Publication year

1992

Journal title

American Journal of Health Promotion

Volume

6

Issue

6

Page(s)

424-429

10.4278/0890-1171-6.6.424

Abstract

Abstract

Purpose. This study examined the use of the stages of change model to design an exercise intervention for community volunteers. Design. The 'Imagine Action' campaign was a community-wide event incorporating the involvement of local worksites and community agencies. Community members registering for the campaign were enrolled in a six-week intervention program designed to encourage participation in physical activity. Subjects. Six hundred and ten adults aged 18 to 82 years old enrolled in the program. Seventy-seven percent of the participants were female and the average age was 41.8 years (SD = 13.8). Setting. The campaign was conducted in a city with a population of approximately 72,000 and was promoted throughout community worksites, area schools, organizations, and local media channels. Measures. One question designed to assess current stage of exercise adoption was included on the campaign registration form as were questions about subject name, address, telephone number, birthdate, and gender. Intervention. The intervention included written materials designed to encourage participants to initiate or increase physical activity, a resource manual describing activity options in the community, and weekly 'fun walks' and 'activity nights.' Results. A Stuart-Maxwell test for correlated proportions revealed that subjects were significantly more active after the six-week intervention. Sixty-two percent of participants in Contemplation became more active while 61% in Preparation became more active. Conclusions. Most participants increased their stage of exercise adoption during the six-week intervention. This study provides preliminary support for use of the stages of change model in designing exercise interventions.

Who am I? The role of self-conflict in adolescents' responses to cigarette advertising

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

Publication year

2004

Journal title

Journal of Behavioral Medicine

Volume

27

Issue

5

Page(s)

463-475

10.1023/B:JOBM.0000047610.07195.b0

Abstract

Abstract

Cigarette advertising may be partly responsible for adolescent smoking initiation, but few studies have investigated the advertising and individual difference factors that may be responsible. This study evaluated whether individual differences in the number of self-conflicts (i.e., conflicts between personality attributes experienced as part of self-concept development) interacts with stage of development (early versus middle adolescence) to predict responses to cigarette advertising imagery. One hundred and one never smoking adolescents judged the self-relevance of various cigarette advertisements. As predicted, self-conflict was related to judgments of self-relevance for early adolescents only: early adolescents who are having the most difficulty defining themselves are more likely to look to the powerful images displayed by cigarette advertisements for help. These results have implications for understanding the impact of cigarette advertising on smoking initiation for some adolescents.

Will healthcare take tobacco addiction seriously? Using policy to drive practice.

Abrams, D., Orleans, C. T., Abrams, D. B., & Gruman, J. C. (n.d.).

Publication year

2001

Journal title

MedGenMed : Medscape general medicine

Volume

3

Issue

2

Page(s)

15

Abstract

Abstract

Despite being the leading preventable cause of disability, death, and economic burden on society, tobacco-use detection and treatment is yet to be taken as seriously as the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases or other addictive behaviors (eg, hypertension, diabetes, alcohol/substance abuse, and mammography screening). This paper outlines the process of intervening at the policy level to incorporate tobacco-use screening and treatment in health practice. The National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) call for new measures presented a window of opportunity. The NCQA report card (the Health Plan Employer Data Information Set [HEDIS]) is the most widely used and influential performance measure in managed care. Consequently, a 6-month process consisting of an expert panel review of research evidence and consensus building was initiated. Two measures were submitted to NCQA: (1) a primary measure based on chart review of tobacco-use screening and treatment implementation and (2) an adjunctive measure of population prevalence of tobacco use and physician advice to quit, based on a self-report survey of members. HEDIS eventually accepted the second measure. The mixed results, potential impact on societal disease burden and cost savings, and the lessons learned from the process are discussed.

Williams RM, Cordon M, Eyestone E, Smith L, Luta G, McKee BJ, Regis SM, Abrams DB, Niaura RS, Stanton CA, Parikh V, Taylor KL; on behalf of the Lung Screening, Tobacco, and Health Trial. Improved motivation and readiness to quit shortly after lung cancer screening: Evidence for a teachable moment.
 
 

Abrams, D. (n.d.).

Publication year

2023

Journal title

Cancer

Volume

Volume128,

Issue

Issue10

Page(s)

Pages 1976-1986

Abstract

Abstract

~

Withdrawal dynamics and smoking relapse : Implications for theory, assessment, and intervention

Abrams, D., Piasecki, T. M., Fiore, M. C., Niaura, R., Shadel, W., Abrams, D., Goldstein, M., & Baker, T. B. (n.d.).

Publication year

1997

Journal title

Journal of Addictive Diseases

Volume

16

Issue

4

Abstract

Abstract

~

Women and smoking cessation: Current status and future directions

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

Publication year

1994

Journal title

Medicine, Exercise, Nutrition and Health

Volume

3

Page(s)

17-31

Abstract

Abstract

~

Women who work in manufacturing settings : Factors influencing their participation in worksite health promotion programs

Abrams, D., Emmons, K. M., Linnan, L., Abrams, D., & Lovell, H. J. (n.d.).

Publication year

1996

Journal title

Women&#39;s Health Issues

Volume

6

Issue

2

Page(s)

74-81

10.1016/1049-3867(95)00049-6

Abstract

Abstract

~

Work site-based cancer prevention: Primary results from the Working Well Trial

Abrams, D. (n.d.).

Publication year

1996

Journal title

American Journal of Public Health

Volume

86

Page(s)

939-947

Abstract

Abstract

~

Worksite weight loss: Current status and future potential

Abrams, D., Follick, M., Fowler, J., Abrams, D. S., & Sobel, H. (n.d.). (W. Johnson, Ed.).

Publication year

1987

Volume

1

Abstract

Abstract

~