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

Individual differences in cue reactivity among smokers trying to quit: Effects of gender and cue type

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

Publication year

1998

Journal title

Addictive Behaviors

Volume

23

Issue

2

Page(s)

209-224

10.1016/S0306-4603(97)00043-9

Abstract

Abstract

Across studies, when presented with a variety of smoking cues, smokers and ex-smokers evidence distinct patterns of self-reported, physiological, and behavioral reactions. However, few studies have compared more than two different kinds of cues within the same experiment. Furthermore, despite the importance of examining the moderating effect of gender on smoking outcomes, few studies have examined gender differences in smoking cue reactivity. We examined the effect of eight distinct cue manipulations on heart rate, mean arterial pressure, smoking urges, and self-efficacy in a sample of 129 participants (50% female) who had recently quit smoking. Cue manipulations included (a) in vivo exposure, (b) an idiographically designed exposure of subjects' most recent relapse, (c) an idiographically designed exposure to subjects' highest risk situation, and (d) affectively valenced standardized scripts depicting situations generally associated with relapse. These manipulations were compared to a standard cognitive stressor (mental arithmetic) and to a resting baseline. Results revealed differences in the degree of reactivity to different manipulations, with in vivo cues producing the greatest changes. Gender differences in reactivity between the type of cues presented were found for mean arterial pressure, with standardized scripts producing greater changes for women. These findings have implications for understanding the reasons for differences in cue reactivity across manipulations and for gender differences in cue reactivity.

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

Shadel, W. G., Niaura, R., 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.

Brief coping skills treatment for cocaine abuse: Substance use outcomes at three months

Monti, P. M., Rohsenow, D. J., Michalec, E., Martin, R. A., & Abrams, D. B. (n.d.).

Publication year

1997

Journal title

Addiction

Volume

92

Issue

12

Page(s)

1717-1728

10.1111/j.1360-0443.1997.tb02892.x

Abstract

Abstract

Aims. Coping skills training, a promising treatment approach for alcoholics, was adapted for use with cocaine abusers and effects on outcome were investigated. Design. A cocaine-specific coping skills training (CST) package was compared to an attention placebo control when both were added to a comprehensive treatment program. Setting. The sites were two private substance abuse treatment facilities, one residential and rural, and one an urban partial hospital. Participants. Substance abusers in treatment with cocaine abuse or dependence were selected. Intervention. The CST intervention was conducted in individual sessions. It involved functional analysis of high risk situations and coping skills training based on the functional analysis. Findings. Clients who received CST had significantly fewer cocaine use days and the length of their longest binge was significantly shorter during the 3-month follow-up period compared to clients in the control condition. CST did not affect relapse rates or use of other substances. Conclusions. Results support the notion that cocaine-specific CST is a promising adjunct to treatment for cocaine abusers.

Effects of alcohol cues on smoking urges and topography among alcoholic men

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

Publication year

1997

Journal title

Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research

Volume

21

Issue

1

Page(s)

101-107

10.1111/j.1530-0277.1997.tb03735.x

Abstract

Abstract

Although the prevalence of smoking among alcoholics ranges up to 97%, little is known about mechanisms underlying the co-occurrence of smoking and alcohol use, or the role tobacco may play in alcohol treatment recovery. Adult male alcoholics in treatment (n = 30) were randomly assigned to visual and olfactory exposure either to alcohol cues or to control cues, and then were allowed to smoke while continuing visual exposure to the same cues. Exposure to alcohol cues resulted in significantly greater self-reported urge to drink and urge to smoke but had no significant effect on the topography of smoking behavior. When variance due to urge to smoke was controlled, greater urge to drink correlated negatively with number of cigarette puffs. The results provide some support for a priming hypothesis of tobacco's role on alcoholism recovery. Clinical and theoretical implications are discussed.

Health behavior and health education: The past, present, and future

Abrams, D., Emmons, K., & Linnan, L. (n.d.). In K. Glanz, F. Lewis, & B. Rimer (Eds.), Health behavior and health education: Theory, practice and research (2nd eds., 1–).

Publication year

1997

Page(s)

453-478

Rationale, design, and baseline data for Commit to Quit: An exercise efficacy trial for smoking cessation among women

Marcus, B. H., King, T. K., Albrecht, A. E., Parisi, A. F., & Abrams, D. B. (n.d.).

Publication year

1997

Journal title

Preventive Medicine

Volume

26

Issue

4

Page(s)

586-597

10.1006/pmed.1997.0180

Abstract

Abstract

Background. The Commit to Quit trial was designed to address the methodological problems of prior studies that have examined the contribution of exercise to smoking cessation. Methods. This paper provides an overview of the study design and describes the sample of women who participated in this trial (N = 281). Interrelationships among eating, exercise, and smoking behavior are examined. Results. Subjects randomized into the study compared with the sample of women who completed the initial assessment but were not randomized were more likely to be white, to have at least a high school education, and to smoke fewer cigarettes per day. Overall, the most frequent ineligibility criteria were health-related issues and scheduling conflicts. On average, participants in this study smoked more cigarettes per day than national samples of women smokers. Significant interrelationships include the positive association of motivational readiness for quitting smoking and enhanced levels of dietary restraint and the positive association of motivational readiness for exercise adoption and high levels of weight concern. Conclusions. This study represents the first adequately powered randomized controlled clinical trial comparing the relative efficacy of a cognitive-behavioral smoking cessation treatment plus vigorous exercise with the same treatment plus contact control.

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

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

Page(s)

119

Cognitive-behavioral mediators of changing multiple behaviors: Smoking and a sedentary lifestyle

King, T. K., Marcus, B. H., Pinto, B. M., Emmons, K. M., & Abrams, D. B. (n.d.).

Publication year

1996

Journal title

Preventive Medicine

Volume

25

Issue

6

Page(s)

684-691

10.1006/pmed.1996.0107

Abstract

Abstract

Background. A significant percentage of the U.S. population has multiple poor health behaviors. Understanding the relationship among these behavioral risk factors is important for designing effective multiple risk factor interventions. While there is some evidence suggesting that participation in physical exercise may have a positive impact on smoking cessation, there is much to be learned about the relationships between cognitive-behavioral (self-efficacy, decisional-balance) and motivational mechanisms (stage of change) which have been shown to mediate changes in both exercise and smoking behavior. Methods. The sample comprised 332 smokers employed at two workplaces-a government agency and a medical center-recruited as part of a larger worksite health promotion project and who completed questionnaires on their smoking and exercise behaviors. Results. The results revealed significant relationships between smoking variables and exercise variables. Smokers who rated as important the positive benefits of smoking also rated as important the costs associated with increased physical activity. Similarly, the negative consequences of smoking were significantly associated with the positive benefits of physical activity. Self-efficacy for one behavior was significantly associated with self-efficacy for the other. Significant differences by exercise and smoking stage of change were found on the cross- behavior sets of variables (self-efficacy, pros, cons). Smokers who were contemplating a more active lifestyle reported the negative consequences of smoking to be significantly more important to them than smokers who were not considering adoption of a more active lifestyle. Smokers who were exercising regularly reported significantly more confidence in their ability to refrain from smoking than smokers not exercising regularly. Finally, smokers preparing for quitting reported less confidence in their ability to exercise than smokers who had already taken action to change their smoking behavior. Conclusions. The cognitive mechanisms associated with changes in smoking behavior are related to the cognitive variables which have been shown to predict changes in exercise behavior. Significant relationships in mediating mechanisms including decisional balance and self-efficacy between smoking and exercise provide preliminary information on how change in one risk behavior may relate to change in another. These associations have implications for future intervention research and for methods research on multiple risk factor interactions.

Development of major depressive disorder during smoking-cessation treatment

Borrelli, B., Niaura, R., Keuthen, N. J., Goldstein, M. G., DePue, J. D., Murphy, C., & Abrams, D. B. (n.d.).

Publication year

1996

Journal title

Journal of Clinical Psychiatry

Volume

57

Issue

11

Page(s)

534-538

10.4088/jcp.v57n1106

Abstract

Abstract

Background: Several studies have shown an association between smoking and major depressive disorder (MDD), but few have prospectively examined subjects who develop MDD after quitting smoking. This descriptive study evaluated the development of MDD after smoking cessation, as assessed by a structured clinical interview at both baseline and the end of treatment. Method: Nondepressed participants (N = 114) in a trial investigating the effect of fluoxetine on smoking cessation were administered the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-III-R at baseline ad posttreatment to evaluate the impact of quitting smoking on the development of MDD. Depressive symptoms were additionally assessed with the Beck Depression Inventory and the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression. Results: At baseline, 32% of the subjects reported a history of MDD. Sixty-nine subjects completed the SCID at baseline and posttreatment. At posttreatment, 5 subjects (7%) met threshold criteria for MDD; one were taking the highest dose of fluoxetine (60 mg), 4 were taking 30 mg, and 1 was taking placebo. All 5 had a history of MDD; 3 were women. Four had a history of substance abuse and attained at least 3 consecutive biochemically verified weeks of smoking abstinence. Those who developed MDD after treatment scored significantly higher on measures of depressed mood at baseline than those who did not develop MDD after smoking- cessation treatment. Conclusion: The results from this descriptive study suggest that a subset of smokers may be at risk for developing MDD after smoking cessation.

Integrating individual and public health perspectives for treatment of tobacco dependence under managed health care: A combined stepped-care and matching model

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

Publication year

1996

Journal title

Annals of Behavioral Medicine

Volume

18

Issue

4

Page(s)

290-304

10.1007/BF02895291

Abstract

Abstract

There is an increasing momentum to integrate prevention into mainstream health care. Three decades of research on tobacco dependence can provide insights into the conceptual, clinical, economic, and service delivery challenges to such an integration. Biological sciences, cognitive-behavioral, clinical treatment outcome, and public health arenas are selectively reviewed. The key conceptual issues are explored relevant to the optimal delivery of quality smoking cessation treatments for the general population of adult smokers at reasonable cost. A comprehensive model for adult smoking cessation treatment is developed. The model consists of an overarching public health approach, focusing on enhancing motivational level from low motivation to quit to high motivation. A common outcome metric of overall impact is proposed to facilitate comparisons between clinical and public health interventions. Smokers are then assessed and triaged into one of three treatment steps of minimal, moderate, and maximal intensity and cost. Smoker individual differences at both the population and individual level are also taken into account as part of a tailoring or matching strategy within and across the stepped interventions. Smoker profiles include sociocultural, nicotine dependence, and comorbidity factors. The result is a hybrid stepped- care matching model. The model serves to illustrate some of the needs and challenges facing future tobacco dependence research and practice. Comparisons are made between tobacco control and other preventive medicine practices in terms of cost per quality adjusted life-year saved. The barriers and opportunities under managed care are explored. The conceptual principles identified here could be used as a guidepost for integrating other preventive medicine programs into the evolving managed health care system.

Interventions for alcoholics who smoke

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

Publication year

1996

Journal title

Alcohol health and research world

Volume

20

Issue

2

Page(s)

111-117

Abstract

Abstract

More than 85 percent of adults with a history of alcohol abuse also smoke, and they may be more addicted to nicotine than are smokers without a history of drinking. Alcoholics who smoke also have higher risks of cancer and cardiovascular disease. Indeed, it has been reported that more alcoholics die from tobacco-related diseases than from disorders related to their alcoholism. The complex interaction that exists between alcoholism recovery and tobacco is discussed. In addition, methods are presented for helping alcoholics to stop smoking, including motivating patients, using innovative interventions, and matching effective interventions to the motivational level of the alcoholic. By better understanding the interaction between alcohol and tobacco, scientists can improve treatment outcome and cost-effectiveness for alcoholics who smoke.

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

Niaura, R., 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.

Treating nicotine dependence: Pharmacologic and behavioral approaches

Niaura, R., Bock, B., Goldstein, M., Abrams, D., & Brown, R. (n.d.). In H. Rommelspacher & M. Schuckitt (Eds.), Drugs of abuse. Bailliere’s clinical psychiatry: International practice and research (1–).

Publication year

1996

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

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.

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

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

Publication year

1996

Journal title

Women's Health Issues

Volume

6

Issue

2

Page(s)

74-81

10.1016/1049-3867(95)00049-6

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

Sorensen, G., Thompson, B., Glanz, K., Abrams, D., For The Working Well Research Group, ., & Al., . (n.d.).

Publication year

1996

Journal title

American Journal of Public Health

Volume

86

Page(s)

939-947

Coping and social skills training

Monti, P., Rohsenow, D., Colby, S., & Abrams, D. (n.d.). In R. Hester & W. Miller (Eds.), Handbook of alcoholism treatment approaches: Effective alternatives (2nd eds., 1–).

Publication year

1995

Cue exposure treatment in alcohol dependence

Rohsenow, D., Monti, P., & Abrams, D. (n.d.). In D. Drummond, S. Glautier, B. Remington, & S. Tiffany (Eds.), Addictive behaviour: Cue exposure theory and practice (1–).

Publication year

1995

Page(s)

189-196

Distribution of smokers by stage in three representative samples

Velicer, W. F., Fava, J. L., Prochaska, J. O., Abrams, D. B., Emmons, K. M., & Pierce, J. P. (n.d.).

Publication year

1995

Journal title

Preventive Medicine

Volume

24

Issue

4

Page(s)

401-411

10.1006/pmed.1995.1065

Abstract

Abstract

Objectives. A key variable for the design of individual and public health interventions for smoking cessation is Stage of Change, a variable which employs past behavior and behavioral intention to characterize an individual′s readiness to change. Reactively recruited samples distort estimates of the stage distribution in the population because such samples attract a disproportionate number of late-stage participants. Three representative samples are described which provide accurate estimates of the stage distribution in the population. These samples are of adequate size to permit within-sample comparisons with respect to sex, age, Hispanic or non-Hispanic origin, race, and education level. The implications of using stage distribution as a tool for planning intervention is discussed. Method. The first sample of 4,144 smokers was from the state of Rhode Island and involved a random-digit-dial survey. The second sample of 9,534 smokers was from the state of California and involved a stratified random-digit-dial survey. The third sample of 4,785 smokers was from a total of 114 worksites located in four different geographic locations. Results. The stage distributions were approximately identical across the three samples, with approximately 40% of the sample in Precontemplation, 40% in Contemplation, and 20% in Preparation. The stage distribution was generally stable across age groups with the exception of the 65 years and older group. Education level did affect the stage distribution with the proportion of the sample in Precontemplation decreasing as education level increased. In all three samples, minor differences in stage distribution were related to Hispanic origin and race, but the pattern was not consistent across the samples. Conclusions. The pattern of stage distribution has important implications for the design of interventions. Existing interventions are most appropriate for the Preparation stage, but the majority of the three samples were in the first two stages, resulting in a likely mismatch between the smoker and the intervention. The stability of distribution across age suggests that interventions that are appropriately matched to stage can be applied across all age groups. The differences found with respect to education, Hispanic origin, and race can serve as a guide to the tailoring of intervention materials.

Division 50 on addictions: Finding synergism with division 38.

Abrams, D. (n.d.).

Publication year

1995

Journal title

The Health Psychologist

Volume

17

Issue

35

Page(s)

4-5

ETS exposure in the workplace: perceptions and reactions by employees in 114 work sites

Thompson, B., Emmons, K., Abrams, D., Ockene, J. K., & Feng, Z. (n.d.).

Publication year

1995

Journal title

Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine

Volume

37

Issue

9

Page(s)

1086-1092

10.1097/00043764-199509000-00009

Abstract

Abstract

Employees are often exposed to and bothered by environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) in the workplace; however, little is known about correlates of workers’perceptions of their exposure. In this study, 20,801 employees in 114 work sites in the United States were surveyed; variables related to perceptions of exposure and being bothered by ETS were entered into regression models. Many of the workplaces had total or partial restrictions on smoking in the workplace; however, over half of the respondents (52.4%) reported they were exposed to ETS at work. Smoking policy, smoking status, age, gender, living with a smoker, and occupation contributed to models for perceived exposure and being bothered by tobacco smoke. Work site smoking restrictions seem to have an impact on employee attitudes concerning exposure to ETS. About 35% of employees were bothered regularly by smokiness at their workplaces, which made their working conditions both uncomfortable and exposed them to an unsafe working environment.

Exercise enhances the maintenance of smoking cessation in women

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

Publication year

1995

Journal title

Addictive Behaviors

Volume

20

Issue

1

Page(s)

87-92

10.1016/0306-4603(94)00048-4

Abstract

Abstract

We examined the effects of physical exercise on smoking relapse. Twenty previously sedentary female smokers were randomly assigned to smoking cessation plus exercise or smoking cessation with frequency contact control. The smoking cessation program included 12 professionally led sessions over 12 weeks. Exercise treatment included three supervised exercise sessions per week for 15 weeks. Contact control included three women's health/wellness lectures per week for 15 weeks. Smoking abstinence was validated by carbon monoxide and saliva cotinine. Mean exercise attendance for exercise subjects was 88% with an increase in estimated VO2 of 25%. The percentage of subjects who quit for 24 hours was 80% for the exercise and 90% for the contact group. One subject in the contact group remained abstinent at the end of the 12-week treatment and at 1-, 3-, and 12-month follow-ups, whereas three subjects in the exercise group were abstinent at these time points. These results suggest that exercise training improves short-term quit rates and may prove a useful strategy for long-term maintenance of smoking cessation.

Integrating basic, clinical, and public health research for alcohol- tobacco interactions

Abrams, D. (n.d.). In J. Fertig & J. Allen (Eds.), Alcohol and tobacco: From basic science to policy (1–).

Publication year

1995

Interrelationship of smoking and alcohol dependence, use and urges to use

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

Publication year

1995

Journal title

Journal of Studies on Alcohol

Volume

56

Issue

2

Page(s)

202-206

10.15288/jsa.1995.56.202

Abstract

Abstract

Objective: The relationship between tobacco dependence and alcohol dependence has received little empirical scrutiny. The present study of alcoholics in treatment for alcoholism investigated pretreatment tobacco and alcohol history and dependence, as well as subjective responsivity to alcohol cues. Method: Eighty-three male alcoholics underwent a questionnaire assessment of smoking and drinking pretreatment followed by a laboratory assessment of reactivity to alcohol cues. Results: The analyses demonstrate that (1) pretreatment tobacco dependence and pretreatment alcohol dependence are related, (2) alcohol dependence predicts urges to smoke during alcohol treatment, (3) exposure to alcohol cues results in increased urge to smoke, (4) smoking when ill predicts urge to drink during alcohol cue exposure and (5) urge to smoke is positively correlated with urge to drink. Conclusions: These data, collected in a population of alcoholics not currently receiving smoking interventions, indicate that smoking may be a factor to address during alcohol treatment. The clinical importance of these data is discussed.

Overview of section II: Treatment, early intervention, and policy

Abrams, D., Marlatt, G., & Sobell, M. (n.d.). In J. Fertig & J. Allen (Eds.), Alcohol and tobacco: From basic science to policy (1–).

Publication year

1995