The new service IPs are out. I got hold of one just now. You were asking on the "Tradition Study" thread on how to deal with disruptive behavior in a NA meeting... Here's a few great ways to deal with such behavior that are suggested by our new service literature:
Group Discussion - The first thing a group can do is discuss the situation in a group business meeting. These discussions can help a group develop a plan for dealing with disruptive behavior and identify who in the group will be responsible for handling specific disruptions. An open and frank group discussion may also highlight some other important solutions and can help group members feel safer and more unified. Groups often experience minor disruptions such as members talking during meetings or unmonitored children. A discussion may not necessarily fix these disruptions, but it can help the group to feel more resolved about the situation.
Meeting Leader's Role - A chairperson, leader, or group secretary can help refocus a meeting by interrupting a disruptive share or outburst. It is entirely appropriate for a group leader to help refocus a meeting's atmosphere of recovery by announcing a five-minute break or asking the group to join in a prayer or moment of silence. In an effort to respect members' individual rights, we sometimes forget to respect the group. In our respect for other members, we must not allow any individual to prevent a group from creating an atmosphere of recovery.
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"If we do an honest examination of exactly what we are giving, we are better able to evaluate the results we are getting."Chapter 10 - Emotional Pain - NA Way of Life.
Meeting Topic - Another option is for the group to consider having the recovery meeting focused on a discussion about a group's atmosphere of recovery. This discussion would attempt to raise the group's awareness of the spiritual principles that apply to an atmosphere of recovery (such as unity or carrying NA's message). Groups that try this approach would want to be sure to avoid discussing a specific individual's behavior, instead focusing on principles and the group's atmosphere of recovery.
ASC Discussion - The group may consider taking the problem to the area service committee meeting in the hope that discussion there may lead to an increased awareness of the problem and possible examples of resolutions from other groups in the area.
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"If we do an honest examination of exactly what we are giving, we are better able to evaluate the results we are getting."Chapter 10 - Emotional Pain - NA Way of Life.
Approaching The Member - If the group decides to approach the disruptive person, the circumstances of each situation will dictate the best way to do this. In some situations it may make sense for one member to discuss the situation with the disruptive individual. This will need to be done in a loving, caring way - tempering honesty with compassion and understanding. We should be cautious not to put any individual at risk in the attempt to address the problem. In other situations it may be better for two or three of the group's mature, stable members to meet the disruptive individual on his or her way into the meeting each time. These members can help the individual understand what is being asked of him or her, and that violent behavior is not acceptable. Another solution is to keep the meeting going while several group members lead the individual outside. The goal of this approach is not to intimidate or imply authority over someone, but rather to keep the person from disrupting the meeting. Group members can let the disruptive member know that he or she can stay if the disruption stops, but will be asked to go outside if the disruption continues. Again, tempering honesty with compassion and understanding will help here. Great caution must be exercised in order to keep members safe and avoid escalating the situation. Groups can expect that this intervention may need to occur once or twice. However, if a group continues to lovingly and firmly address the situation, there is a better chance that the disruptive person will respect the needs of those attending the meeting.
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"If we do an honest examination of exactly what we are giving, we are better able to evaluate the results we are getting."Chapter 10 - Emotional Pain - NA Way of Life.
Temporarily Suspending A Meeting - In some cases, the violent or disruptive behavior may be serious enough for the group to temporarily suspend the meeting. This may mean temporarily stopping the meeting or adjourning until the next regularly scheduled meeting. The objective of this approach is to address the problem and ensure that the meeting is a safe and welcoming place for members.
Protecting The Welfare Of The Group - Finally, if a member is violent or threatening violence in a NA meeting and no other approaches have been successful, then the groups may decide to call the police. The safety of all addicts who attend the meeting is the primary consideration. While we want to respect each member's anonymity, a violent individual sacrifices his or her right to personal anonymity by their behavior. Calling law enforcement is appropriate when personal safety is at stake.
"Whenever we come together, we seek the presence and guidance of a loving Higher Power. This direction then guides us through all our actions." It Works: How and Why.
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"If we do an honest examination of exactly what we are giving, we are better able to evaluate the results we are getting."Chapter 10 - Emotional Pain - NA Way of Life.
You're welcome Keli. Thank God, we have service literature specifically adressing these issues now. Very informative and insightful these new pamphlets are. Pamphlets on Group Business Meetings and Group Trusted Servants are also available, apart from a pamphlet called NA Groups & Medication, a very vital information that MUST be read by all NA members to know what and how, we, as individual NA members can and cannot be for those addicts who are on medication for their other illnesses and health issues.
Check out the www.na.org site for reading these new service IPs.
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"If we do an honest examination of exactly what we are giving, we are better able to evaluate the results we are getting."Chapter 10 - Emotional Pain - NA Way of Life.
