Family Business Threatened by Substance Abuse Reports Gary Mendell

San Francisco, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 01/23/2013 -- When it comes to internal communication issues for family businesses, addiction problems may be to blame at the management level, says research done by the consultants Regeneration Partners.

James Olan Hutcheson, who works as Regeneration's chief executive, stated to CampdenFB that the firm had become aware of the problem over a decade ago, when it realized “how often addiction played a part in the breakdown of communication” in family businesses.

The study was conducted in early 2012, and in conjunction with the Caron Treatment Centers. In the study, researchers found that of the nearly 100 Regeneration Partners' clients surveyed, 54% had or were working through an addiction disorder within the company's ownership or management.

Of those within the 54%, 83% were still considered to be working through a continuing addiction disorder. The sample was not randomized, but nonetheless the figures exceeded the general levels within the U.S. Population. According to the U.S. National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, nearly 18 million people are considered individuals who suffer an alcohol problem. That accounts for nearly 6% of the 300 million inhabitants.

In a statement made by Regeneration Partners, the company noted that substance abuse of severe threat to the future of family businesses, which currently account for nearly 75% of U.S. Business.

Hutcheson stated: “Few counsellors and business consultants have recognised, much less addressed the depth of addiction and substance abuse within family-owned businesses. Our study highlights the fact that we can no longer ignore addiction and it’s impact on the economy.”

Hutcheson also noted that substance abuse is more problematic the higher up in management it is found. “When someone abuses alcohol or drugs, the power and influence of the family often protects or enables them by preventing intervention. In some cases, they deny the destructive effects on the individual, the family and the workplace.”

He added that “Addictions dramatically magnify the risk of failure. But, like a number of issues facing family businesses, addiction can be treated.”

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