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

Socioeconomic status over the life course and stages of cigarette use : Initiation, regular use, and cessation

Abrams, D., Gilman, S. E., Abrams, D. B., & Buka, S. L. (n.d.).

Publication year

2003

Journal title

Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health

Volume

57

Issue

10

Page(s)

802-808

10.1136/jech.57.10.802

Abstract

Abstract

Study objective: To investigate the association between multiple indicators of socioeconomic status (SES) over the life course and three stages of cigarette use: initiation, regular use, and cessation. Design: Prospective birth cohort study. Setting: Providence, Rhode Island. Participants: Subjects (n=657) aged 30 to 39 were offspring of participants in the Brown University cohort of the United States National Collaborative Perinatal Project started in 1959. Main results: A significantly increased risk of smoking initiation was observed among people from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. Low SES in childhood also increased the risk for progression to regular smoking, and was associated with a reduced likelihood of smoking cessation. Progression to regular smoking and smoking persistence were also associated with lower adult SES. Conclusions: Socioeconomic conditions over the life course accumulate to produce increased rates of smoking uptake and reduced rates of cessation among lower SES people. Addressing SES gradients in smoking will require persistent and extended intervention over multiple life stages.

Stress and anxiety after 9/11: a prospective study

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

Publication year

2003

Journal title

Medicine and Health Rhode Island

Volume

86

Issue

11

Page(s)

340-341

Abstract

Abstract

~

The evolution of cancer control research : An international perspective from Canada and the United States

Abrams, D., Best, A., Hiatt, R. A., Cameron, R., Rimer, B. K., & Abrams, D. B. (n.d.).

Publication year

2003

Journal title

Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers and Prevention

Volume

12

Issue

8

Page(s)

705-712

Abstract

Abstract

Four phases in the evolution of cancer control frameworks are reviewed, highlighting how national Canadian and United States planning and implementation activities have built on each other's work to define and guide cancer control research. Hallmarks have come to be: (a) coordination of the cycle that applies research to practice and policy decisions; (b) synthesis of knowledge at each phase of cancer control framework; (c) a focus on populations and public health with feedback loops between fundamental and applied research; and (d) interdisciplinary integration of the biological, behavioral, social, and other population sciences. Current research priorities and initiatives based on the research framework now common to both Canada and the United States are described. We conclude by calling for an international forum for the systematic advancement of cancer control research, and closer ties between the cancer control communities in North America.

The Smoking Effects Questionnaire for adult populations : Development and psychometric properties

Abrams, D., Rohsenow, D. J., Abrams, D. B., Monti, P. M., Colby, S. M., Martin, R., & Niaura, R. S. (n.d.).

Publication year

2003

Journal title

Addictive Behaviors

Volume

28

Issue

7

Page(s)

1257-1270

10.1016/S0306-4603(02)00254-X

Abstract

Abstract

Outcome expectancies are central to a social learning model of smoking and of smoking cessation. The Smoking Effects Questionnaire (SEQ) was developed for use in general adult populations. Items were administered to 257 smokers and ex-smokers including worksite employees, hospital visitors, and clients entering smoking cessation treatment. Principal components analysis (PCA) found seven components with good reliability that were reduced into scales of four or five items each with internal consistencies above α=.80. The final measure has 33 items. The scales were divided by secondary factor analysis into three negative effect and four positive effect scales. The SEQ showed good construct and concurrent validity in comparison with measures of similar constructs and with other smoking variables. Women expected fewer negative physical effects and attributed more importance to positive stimulating effects from smoking but otherwise were comparable to men in expected effects of smoking. More dependent smokers ascribed more importance to negative physical effects and positive stimulating effects than did less dependent smokers but did not differ significantly on other expectancy domains. Both true/false scoring and importance ratings of effects produced mostly comparable results so that either scoring method could be used. Treatment implications were discussed. This brief scale is likely to be useful in a variety of research and clinical settings.

The tobacco dependence treatment handbook: A guide to best practices

Abrams, D., Abrams, D. S., Niaura, R. S., Brown, R., Emmons, K., Goldstein, M., & Monti, P. (n.d.).

Publication year

2003

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

~

Adolescents' reactions to the imagery displayed in smoking and antismoking advertisements

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

Publication year

2002

Journal title

Psychology of Addictive Behaviors

Volume

16

Issue

2

Page(s)

173-176

10.1037/0893-164X.16.2.173

Abstract

Abstract

This study compared adolescents' unbiased perceptions of the images displayed in smoking and antismoking advertising. Twenty-nine adolescents (ages 11-17) were shown images taken from both advertising types; all images were digitally edited so that no product information appeared in them. Participants described each image in a free-response format and rated each image on self-report dimensions. Content analyses of free-response descriptions and analyses of self-reports revealed that adolescents viewed images taken from cigarette advertisements more positively compared with images taken from antismoking advertisements. These findings suggest that 1 reason for the potency of cigarette advertising, compared with antismoking advertising, is the inherent positive appeal of the images displayed. Antismoking advertising may be more effective at limiting adolescent smoking if the images displayed have a more positive valence.

Beauty and the beast : Results of the Rhode Island smokefree shop initiative

Abrams, D., Linnan, L. A., Emmons, K. M., & Abrams, D. B. (n.d.).

Publication year

2002

Journal title

American journal of public health

Volume

92

Issue

1

Page(s)

27-28

10.2105/AJPH.92.1.27

Abstract

Abstract

Licensed hairdressing facilities are prevalent in communities nationwide and represent a unique and promising channel for delivering public health interventions. The Rhode Island Smokefree Shop Initiative tested the feasibility of using these facilities to deliver smoking policy interventions statewide. A statewide survey of hairdressing facilities was followed by interventions targeted to the readiness level (high/low) of respondents to adopt smokefree policies.

Challenges to improving the impact of worksite cancer prevention programs : Comparing reach, enrollment, and attrition using active versus passive recruitment strategies

Abrams, D., Linnan, L. A., Emmons, K. M., Klar, N., Fava, J. L., LaForge, R. G., & Abrams, D. B. (n.d.).

Publication year

2002

Journal title

Annals of Behavioral Medicine

Volume

24

Issue

2

Page(s)

157-166

10.1207/S15324796ABM2402_13

Abstract

Abstract

Objective: The impact of worksite intervention studies is maximized when reach and enrollment are high and attrition is low. Differences in reach, enrollment, and retention were investigated by comparing 2 different employee recruitment methods for a home-based cancer-prevention intervention study. Methods: Twenty-two worksites (N = 10,014 employees) chose either active or passive methods to recruit employees into a home-based intervention study. Reach (e.g., number of employees who gave permission to be called at home), Enrollment (e.g., number of employees who joined the home intervention study), and Attrition (e.g., number who did not complete the 12- and 24-month follow-ups) were determined. Analysis at the cluster level assessed differences between worksites that selected active (n = 12) versus passive (n = 10) recruitment methods on key outcomes of interest. Employees recruited by passive methods had significantly higher reach (74.5% vs. 24.4% for active) but significantly lower enrollment (41% vs. 78%) and retention (54% vs. 70%) rates (all ps

Depressive symptoms and readiness to quit smoking among cigarette smokers in outpatient alcohol treatment

Abrams, D., Hitsman, B., Abrams, D. B., Emmons, K. M., Shadel, W. G., Niaura, R. S., Borrelli, B., Brown, R. A., Swift, R. M., Monti, P. M., Rohsenow, D. J., & Colby, S. M. (n.d.).

Publication year

2002

Journal title

Psychology of Addictive Behaviors

Volume

16

Issue

3

Page(s)

264-268

10.1037/0893-164X.16.3.264

Abstract

Abstract

The authors examined whether length of alcohol abstinence and depressive symptoms were related to motivational readiness to consider smoking cessation among patients in alcohol treatment. Participants were adults (N = 253) enrolled in a smoking cessation trial. Controlling for gender, depressive symptoms, and nicotine dependence, hierarchical regression analysis of readiness scores revealed a significant interaction of days since last drink and depressive symptoms. It was found that a greater number of days since last drink was associated with greater readiness, but only among patients with low scores on the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (L. S. Radloff, 1977). The findings suggest that alcoholic smokers with low depressive symptoms are more receptive to quitting smoking after sustained alcohol abstinence.

Forging trandisciplinary bridges to meet the physical inactivity challenge in the 21st century

Abrams, D., King, A. C., Bauman, A., & Abrams, D. B. (n.d.).

Publication year

2002

Journal title

American journal of preventive medicine

Volume

23

Issue

2 SUPPL. 1

Page(s)

104-106

10.1016/S0749-3797(02)00481-6

Abstract

Abstract

~

Motivating parents of kids with asthma to quit smoking : The PAQS project

Abrams, D., Borrelli, B., McQuaid, E. L., Becker, B., Hammond, K., Papandonatos, G., Fritz, G., & Abrams, D. S. (n.d.).

Publication year

2002

Journal title

Health Education Research

Volume

17

Issue

5

Page(s)

659-669

10.1093/her/17.5.659

Abstract

Abstract

The Parents of Asthmatics Quit Smoking (PAQS) project contrasts two theory-based smoking cessation interventions for parents of children with asthma, and compares mechanisms of behavior change within and across theoretical perspectives. We hypothesize that enhancing the perception of risk to self and child will motivate smoking cessation more than standard approaches that emphasize building self-efficacy and coping skills for quitting in a population that is largely not motivated to quit smoking. Smokers (n = 288) and their asthmatic children who receive nurse-delivered in-home asthma education (as part of the insurance carrier's standard of care) are randomized into one of two treatment conditions: (1) the Behavioral Action Model (BAM), in which nurses emphasize goal setting and skill building to enhance self-efficacy to quit smoking, or 2) the Precaution Adoption Model (PAM), in which nurses tailor the intervention to the smoker's readiness to quit and incorporate biomarker feedback [i.e. level of carbon monoxide exposure to the smoker and level of environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure to the child] in order to increase risk perception in smokers. In both conditions, smokers who are ready to quit receive the nicotine patch. Analyses will examine (1) quit rates, ETS level and motivation to quit as the primary dependent variables, (2) mediators of behavior change between and within conditions, and (3) relations between parent smoking outcomes and child asthma morbidity (i.e. ER visits and asthma symptoms) post-treatment. Results will help tailor interventions to this population, and identify mechanisms of behavior change that result in adaptive health outcomes for smokers and their children who have asthma.

Multicenter trial of fluoxetine as an adjunct to behavioral smoking cessation treatment

Abrams, D., Niaura, R. S., Spring, B., Borrelli, B., Hedeker, D., Goldstein, M. G., Keuthen, N., Depue, J., Kristeller, J., Ockene, J., Prochazka, A., Chiles, J. A., & Abrams, D. B. (n.d.).

Publication year

2002

Journal title

Journal of consulting and clinical psychology

Volume

70

Issue

4

Page(s)

887-896

10.1037/0022-006X.70.4.887

Abstract

Abstract

The authors evaluated the efficacy of fluoxetine hydrochloride (Prozac; Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN) as an adjunct to behavioral treatment for smoking cessation. Sixteen sites randomized 989 smokers to 3 dose conditions: 10 weeks of placebo, 30 mg, or 60 mg fluoxetine per day. Smokers received 9 sessions of individualized cognitive-behavioral therapy, and biologically verified 7-day self-reported abstinence follow-ups were conducted at 1, 3, and 6 months posttreatment. Analyses assuming missing data counted as smoking observed no treatment difference in outcomes. Pattern-mixture analysis that estimates treatment effects in the presence of missing data observed enhanced quit rates associated with both the 60-mg and 30-mg doses. Results support a modest, short-term effect of fluoxetine on smoking cessation and consideration of alternative models for handling missing data.

Negative mood, depressive symptoms, and major depression after smoking cessation treatment in smokers with a history of major depressive disorder

Abrams, D., Kahler, C. W., Brown, R. A., Ramsey, S. E., Niaura, R. S., Abrams, D. B., Goldstein, M. G., Mueller, T. I., & Miller, I. W. (n.d.).

Publication year

2002

Journal title

Journal of abnormal psychology

Volume

111

Issue

4

Page(s)

670-675

10.1037/0021-843X.111.4.670

Abstract

Abstract

Negative mood, depressive symptoms, and major depressive episodes (MDEs) were examined in 179 smokers with a history of major depression in a trial comparing standard smoking cessation treatment to treatment incorporating cognitive-behavioral therapy for depression (CBT-D). Early lapses were associated with relatively large increases in negative mood on quit date. Mood improved in the 2 weeks after quit date among those returning to regular smoking but not among those smoking moderately. Continuous abstinence was associated with short- and long-term reductions in depressive symptoms. MDE incidence during follow-up was 15.3% and was not associated with abstinence. Unexpected was that CBT-D was associated with greater negative mood and depressive symptoms and increased MDE risk. Results suggest complex bidirectional associations between affect and smoking outcomes.

Patterns of change in depressive symptoms during smoking cessation : Who's at risk for relapse?

Abrams, D., Burgess, E. S., Brown, R. A., Kahler, C. W., Niaura, R. S., Abrams, D. B., Goldstein, M. G., & Miller, I. W. (n.d.).

Publication year

2002

Journal title

Journal of consulting and clinical psychology

Volume

70

Issue

2

Page(s)

356-361

10.1037/0022-006X.70.2.356

Abstract

Abstract

The authors examined patterns of change in depressive symptoms during smoking cessation treatment in 163 smokers with past major depressive disorder (MDD). Cluster analysis of Beck Depression Inventory (A. T. Beck, C. H. Ward, M. Mendelson, J. Mock, & J. Erbaugh, 1961) scores identified 5 patterns of change. Although 40% of participants belonged to clusters characterized by increasing depressive symptoms during quitting (rapid increasers, n = 31, and delayed increasers, n = 35), almost 47% were in clusters characterized by decreasing symptoms (delayed decreasers, n = 24, and rapid decreasers, n = 52). Both rapid and delayed increasers had especially poor smoking cessation outcomes. Results suggest that among smokers with an MDD history there is substantial heterogeneity in patterns of depressive symptoms during quitting and that patterns involving increased symptoms are associated with low abstinence rates.

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.

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.

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

~

A content analysis of smoking craving

Abrams, D., Shadel, W. G., Niaura, R. S., Brown, R. A., Hutchison, K. E., & Abrams, D. B. (n.d.).

Publication year

2001

Journal title

Journal of Clinical Psychology

Volume

57

Issue

1

Page(s)

145-150

10.1002/1097-4679(200101)57:1<145::AID-JCLP15>3.0.CO;2-2

Abstract

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to conduct a content analysis of smoking craving in order to investigate more precisely the subjective nature of the construct with the goal of informing assessment. Thirty-two smokers interested in cessation treatment provided free response written descriptions of the level of craving they normally experience. These responses were analyzed for subjective content along five theoretical domains: physiological, affective, cognitive, behavioral, and synonyms (of craving). Although there were no differences in the relative proportion of broad content terms smokers used to describe their craving (e.g., cognitive versus affective), this analysis revealed considerable diversity in the specific terms smokers used. Some smokers described their craving in purely physiological terms whereas others used primarily cognitive terms, and still others used affective terms. To assume that smoking craving is qualitatively similar across persons, then, may mask important variations that define the individual experience of craving.

Cognitive Avoidance as a Method of Coping with a Provocative Smoking Cue : The Moderating Effect of Nicotine Dependence

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

Publication year

2001

Journal title

Journal of Behavioral Medicine

Volume

24

Issue

2

Page(s)

169-182

10.1023/A:1010762631464

Abstract

Abstract

Both nicotine dependence and coping are important determinants of smoking cessation, yet little is understood about mechanisms that link the two. This laboratory study investigated how nicotine dependence moderates execution of an avoidance coping strategy. High and low dependent smokers were exposed to a provocative smoking cue (in vivo) under two instructional sets: cognitive avoidance coping and no coping. Contrary to hypotheses, high dependent smokers reported greater increases in perceived self-efficacy to not smoke and also demonstrated greater facility in processing coping/nonsmoking-related information on a reaction time task, compared with low dependent smokers. These counterintuitive findings are discussed in terms of how nicotine dependence may affect the cognitive process of coping.

Cognitive-behavioral treatment for depression in smoking cessation

Abrams, D., Brown, R. A., Kahler, C. W., Niaura, R. S., Abrams, D. B., Sales, S. D., Ramsey, S. E., Goldstein, M. G., Burgess, E. S., & Miller, I. W. (n.d.).

Publication year

2001

Journal title

Journal of consulting and clinical psychology

Volume

69

Issue

3

Page(s)

471-480

10.1037/0022-006X.69.3.471

Abstract

Abstract

Cigarette smokers with past major depressive disorder (MDD) received 8 group sessions of standard, cognitive-behavioral smoking cessation treatment (ST; n = 93) or standard, cognitive-behavioral smoking cessation treatment plus cognitive-behavioral treatment for depression (CBT-D; n = 86). Although abstinence rates were high in both conditions (ST, 24.7%; CBT-D, 32.5%, at 1 year) for these nonpharmacological treatments, no main effect of treatment was found. However, secondary analyses revealed significant interactions between treatment condition and both recurrent depression history and heavy smoking (≥25 cigarettes a day) at baseline. Smokers with recurrent MDD and heavy smokers who received CBT-D were significantly more likely to be abstinent than those receiving ST (odds ratios = 2.3 and 2.6, respectively). Results suggest that CBT-D provides specific benefits for some, but not all, smokers with a history of MDD.

Cue exposure with coping skills training and communication skills training for alcohol dependence : 6- and 12-month outcomes

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

Publication year

2001

Journal title

Addiction

Volume

96

Issue

8

Page(s)

1161-1174

10.1046/j.1360-0443.2001.96811619.x

Abstract

Abstract

Aims. Cue exposure treatment (CET) has shown promise in preliminary studies with alcoholics, and Communication Skills Training (CST) has been found beneficial, especially in intensive treatment programs. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of CET and CST in a larger controlled study when both were added to intensive treatment programs. Design and interventions. A 2 × 2 design investigated the effects of CET with urge coping skills training compared to a meditation-relaxation control, and CST compared to an education control when all were added to intensive treatment programs for alcoholics. Setting. The sites were the inpatient or partial hospital substance abuse treatment programs at a private psychiatric hospital, a state-funded residential facility and a VA medical center. Participants. Patients diagnosed with alcohol dependence without active psychosis were eligible. Measurements. Participants were assessed for quantity and frequency of drinking, alcohol cue-reactivity, responses to high risk simulations and urge specific coping skills. Findings. Of 100 treated patients, 86% provided 6-month and 84% provided 12-month follow-up data. Patients who received either CET or CST had fewer heavy drinking days in the first 6 months than control patients. In the second 6 months, CET continued to result in fewer heavy drinking days among lapsers and interacted with CST to decrease quantity of alcohol consumed. CST resulted in fewer alcohol-related problems reported at 12 months. CET resulted in greater reductions in urge to drink in a measure of simulated high-risk situations. CET also resulted in greater reports of use of coping strategies during the follow-up, and many of the urge-specific strategies taught in CET were associated with reduced drinking. Conclusions. Both CET and CST continue to show promise as elements of comprehensive alcohol treatment programs. Limitations and directions for future research are discussed.

Depression in chronic medical illness : The case of coronary heart disease

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

Publication year

2001

Journal title

Journal of Clinical Psychology

Volume

57

Issue

11

Page(s)

1323-1337

10.1002/jclp.1100

Abstract

Abstract

Depression is an important predictor of morbidity and mortality in patients with coronary disease, particularly after myocardial infarction, independent of previous cardiac history or CAD severity. Depression also is associated with poor long-term psychosocial outcomes. The prevalence of major depression among post-MI patients is 15 to 20%, with an additional 27% reporting symptoms of minor depression. This article briefly reviews the literature on depression in patients with coronary disease, including previously published efforts to treat the disorder in this group. A case review then is provided, highlighting important aspects of treatment.

Does completing a craving questionnaire promote increased smoking craving? An experimental investigation

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

Publication year

2001

Journal title

Psychology of Addictive Behaviors

Volume

15

Issue

3

Page(s)

265-267

10.1037/0893-164X.15.3.265

Abstract

Abstract

The authors evaluated whether completing a multi-item assessment of smoking craving (the Questionnaire of Smoking Urges [QSU]) promoted increases in smoking craving. A sample of 39 regular smokers was randomly assigned to 1 of 3 manipulations (each of 3 min duration): (a) complete the QSU-Brief (10 items), (b) complete a noncraving questionnaire that was structurally identical to the QSU-Brief (scale-based control), and (c) a time-based control. Participants responded to an oral question assessing their degree of craving immediately before and after the manipulations. Results indicated that the QSU did not promote increases in craving compared to the 2 control conditions. Despite continuing debate over the most appropriate self-report measure of craving, investigators who use the QSU-Brief can be reasonably sure that the scores that result are not biased due to reactivity effects.

Effect of different cue stimulus delivery channels on craving reactivity : Comparing in vivo and video cues in regular cigarette smokers

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

Publication year

2001

Journal title

Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry

Volume

32

Issue

4

Page(s)

203-209

10.1016/S0005-7916(01)00035-0

Abstract

Abstract

Exposure to smoking cues reliably produces increases in craving compared to exposure to appropriately matched neutral cues. While different types of stimuli have been used as cue materials in such studies, the channel through which cues are delivered is not often varied in a systematic fashion in smoking research. This study compared the effect of exposure to active in vivo cues compared to two cues, matched for content and time, delivered via videotape on self-reported smoking craving. Results revealed that active in vivo cues produced the highest craving ratings, followed next by active video cues, and last by neutral video cues. These results suggest that craving is sensitive to stimulus delivery channel and that video presentation of smoking cues is a viable manipulation option in cue reactivity studies.