GROUP BEHAVIOR

 DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOR

GENERAL

All members are responsible for the wellbeing of NA. Individual recovery depends on regular safe meetings and other recovering addicts to provide support. There are certain fundamental principles that need to prevail in a group for it to function well in fulfilling its primary purpose. These are:

i. The importance of an atmosphere of recovery in NA meetings;

ii. The personal responsibility of all members to maintain that atmosphere;

iii. The need to refer to a group conscience for both identification of inappropriate behavior and the decisions regarding action;

iv. Principles before personalities in dealing with disruptive individuals.

PRINCIPLES

Atmosphere of recovery in NA meetings

Recovery can be a delicate thing, it grows best in a stable and supportive environment. Each of us plays a part in maintaining stability. An atmosphere for recovery is vital so the primary purpose can be fulfilled.

If there is chaos, aggression, disruptive behavior, etc. it is likely to prevent our carrying the message of recovery.

  Personal responsibility of group members

Our common welfare requires personal commitment and responsible action to ensure a meeting is safe for all members. In pulling together we learn that we really are part of “something greater than ourselves” (Basic Text, Trad. 7, p.68). Some behavior, when addressed promptly, in an atmosphere of love and inclusion, may prevent escalation of actions considered to be disruptive behavior. All members

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should contact the Secretary, Alternate Secretary or Keyholder Coordinator with concerns regarding disruptive behavior, as quickly as possible after an incident has occurred.

The need to refer to a group conscience for both identification of inappropriate behavior and the decisions regarding action

The decision as to whether behavior is inappropriate or not should be made by group conscience. We all have different ideas about what constitutes “disruptive behavior” and this is where a group conscience is crucial to gain a consensus.

Every situation is different. It is very difficult to document specific examples of what constitutes “Disruptive Behavior”. Please discuss issues with a more experienced member, pray and consult the IP “Disruptive and Violent Behavior” when making the decision to address a member you feel is exhibiting disruptive behavior. Remember that the disruptive member is the “still suffering addict” too and we would prefer to resolve the situation without banning the member if at all possible. The following procedure is used to protect the welfare of other members and the group as a whole, not as a resolution of personal issues you may have with an individual member.

Examples of Disruptive Behavior include but are not limited to the following:

Obscenities or profanities directed toward another member;

Using discriminatory language or making generalizations about groups of people;

Describing sexual or violent acts or encounters in detail;

Aggressive or threatening behavior; physical and/or verbal threats;

Interrupting other people sharing;

Audible side conversations that make it difficult for others to hear the message;

Destruction or theft of Northside property (or neighbors within the business park);

        Other issues that could affect NA as a whole with regards to the outside community.

Principles before personalities in dealing with disruptive individuals.

There are many distracting influences that can divert us from our primary purpose’ and “each time our focus is diverted from our primary purpose, the addict seeking recovery loses out” (It Works, Trad. 5, p.161). We do not seek to expel disruptive ‘still suffering addicts’ from our meetings, but to demonstrate recovery, offer love and acceptance, and create and maintain firm boundaries to protect the environment and vulnerable members.

ACTION

If a member is exhibiting “Disruptive Behavior” the following steps will be taken: 1) A) During the meeting Key holder addresses individual requesting the behavior cease (verbal caution); document incident and drop into safe or contact keyholder coordinator or group secretary to report details of incident.

B) Outside of meeting concerned members make a request that the behavior cease (verbal caution); contact keyholder coordinator or group secretary to report details of incident.

2) If behavior does not cease, is repeated or severity dictates a final warning by the group secretary will be given via talk or text or email.

3) Any incident that is to be addressed by Group Conscience/Emergency group conscience will be posted to the Group Conscience Idea Board according to Part I, Section 8.3.

4) Incident(s) will be addressed at Group Conscience (or Emergency group conscious if deemed necessary) to vote if the following corrective action will be implemented.

a. 90 day ban with appeal at first regular Group Conscious after at least 30 days have passed.

It is strongly recommended that the members who witnessed the disruptive behavior and the members involved in any warnings be present at the group conscience or emergency group conscience if at all possible.

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  Returning DURING the ban or after the ban period has passed.

If the member who has been banned shows up at Northside (inside or outside the meeting) or if the member continues to exhibit disruptive behavior after the ban period has passed, the following steps will be taken:

1) 2 members will request that the member leave (verbal caution). If the disruptive member does not leave after being asked the security guard will need to be called. In the event security does not respond or in the event the member becomes violent, call the police. Contact the keyholder coordinator or group secretary to report details of the incident.

2) Any incident that is to be addressed by Group Conscience/Emergency group conscience will be posted to the Group Conscience Idea Board or according to Part I, Section 8.

3) Incident(s) will be addressed at Group Conscience (or Emergency group conscious if deemed necessary) to vote if the following corrective action will be implemented.

a. One year ban with appeal at first regular Group Conscious after at least 90 days have passed.

4) If the member continues to show up at Northside (not abiding by the conscience of the group) then the landlord will be contacted and a peace bond will be requested for an indefinite period of time.

FOLLOW UP

1) The date of the ban and name of the member will be posted on the inside of the supply cabinet in the coffee room in order to make sure the will of the group is carried out and the group is held accountable. 2) If a member who is banned is a trusted servant they will be asked to give up their key (if they have a key). The combination to the supply cabinet, safe cabinet and supply room (if the trusted servant knew that combination) will be changed.

3) If a member who is banned holds an elected position at Northside they will be resigned from that position and it will be posted for election at the next regular group conscience meeting.