Recently, NorthStar Transitions has seen an influx of small business owners struggling with addiction and mental health. It's not uncommon for these individuals to struggle, as the daily stress of running a business strains a person's mental health. However, this influx also seems to be a lingering consequence of stress, burnout, and losses from the COVID-19 pandemic. To cope, many small business owners turned to drugs and alcohol for relief. However, many are not trying to recover and regain some normalcy of life post-COVID.
Aside from the pandemic, small business owners experience unique challenges day-to-day. Learning healthy coping techniques is necessary for their personal and professional well-being. Thankfully, NorthStar Transitions can help. If you're a business owner, consider our variety of care to help you get back on your feet today.
When people hear the term “small business,” many think about small, local mom-and-pop shops that target offering services or goods to people in their community. However, many factors label a small business, and with the development of online shops and marketplaces, almost anyone can start a business.
According to the United States Census Bureau, small businesses are “hailed as a vital segment of our national and local economies and a primary driver of U.S. financial growth.” The word “small” shouldn't be taken lightly. Many may call small businesses the backbone of America; without them, our nation doesn't prosper to its full potential.
Nevertheless, financial growth comes at a cost, and the people owning these small businesses face unique challenges in their day-to-day lives.
Typically, employees working for a business can come home at the end of their day and not worry or deal with work. That, unfortunately, doesn't include business owners. When you have your own business, you're always on the clock. Working after six, in the early mornings, or on the weekends comes with the territory of being your own boss. On any given day, a business owner has to worry about any number of the following tasks:
With all these tasks come many challenges. Sure, a business owner hires employees and may have help from a business partner, consults, or family and friends. However, at the end of the day, every problem and challenge falls upon the owner, and they must find a solution to any problem that arises.
Some challenge a small business owner may encounter include the following:
Business owners face many additional challenges, but COVID-19 presents a whole new set of problems for them to face.
COVID-19 was a strenuous time for everyone in this country and across the globe. Lives were lost, and many still struggle with its outcomes.
COVID-19 also significantly impacted small businesses. According to some research, “the number of active business owners in the United States plummeted by 3.3 million” between February and April of 2020. This was the most significant drop in American history, and while some businesses opened back up, many couldn't.
With small businesses closing, countless people lost their livelihoods and couldn't care for their families. This caused many to turn to substance use to cope. However, many now realize that substance use only causes more harm.
Addiction and mental health conditions harm individuals mentally, physically, and emotionally. When a person loses control, they become unable to function day-to-day. This is detrimental to small business owners.
When you own a small business, the slightest setback can threaten closure. That's enormous pressure for anyone, especially if you struggle with substance use or a mental health disorder. Not only will your business fall apart, but your family will be impacted, especially if your business is your sole income. That's why seeking treatment and prioritizing your mental health is vital as a business owner.
Not long ago, people felt forced to decide between treatment and their careers. With the development of individualized and flexible recovery programs, that's no longer the case.
Partaking in NorthStar's professionals treatment program can help you recover while maintaining your business. This program offers the following:
Additionally, our alumni program can offer additional support post-treatment as you focus on managing sobriety and owning your business simultaneously. The road to recovery can feel like a full-time job in and of itself, let alone while trying to run a small business. Do it with the right tools and contact NorthStar Transitions today.
More small business owners appear to be seeking addiction treatment, especially because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The unique challenges of being a small business owner make often leads people to use drugs and alcohol as coping method. However, this inevitably does more harm than good. You must seek treatment and prioritize your mental health to avoid the unintended consequences of substance use, such as your business closing or harmful impacts on your family. You can do this through professional treatment and alumni programs. Call NorthStar Transitions at (303) 558-6400 to learn more about these programs and other care options for your addiction. Achieving sobriety and maintaining your business is possible with the right tools.
