Introduction to Addictive Behaviors

Dennis L. Thombs, PhD, is Professor and Chair of the Department of Behavioral and Community Health at the University of North Texas Health Science Center in Fort Worth. He is past president and Fellow of the American Academy of Health Behavior. The focus of his scholarship is addictive behavior, with special interests in the epistemology of addiction and in alcohol and drug use during the period of emerging adulthood. In recent years, his research has focused on analyzing drinking practices and their consequences in natural settings. Dr. Thombs is Managing Coeditor of the American Journal of Health Behavior.

Cynthia J. Osborn, PhD, is Professor of Counseling and Human Development Services at Kent State University in Ohio. Her clinical background focused on treating adults with co-occurring disorders (addiction and mental illness). Her teaching, supervision, and scholarship focus on addictions counseling, particularly evidence-based practices such as motivational interviewing. Dr. Osborn is a member of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT) and has extensive experience in the clinical supervision of counselors-in-training and professional counselors.