Disruptive and Predatory Behavior |
IDT Input Form
For a workshop outline on this topic and information on the other Issue Discussion Topics this cycle, visit na.org/idt/current-issue-discussion-topics/
Background
This is not a new topic in NA, but with meetings moving to a virtual platform during the pandemic, some predatory and disruptive behaviors seemed to increase and some new ones emerged. Guided by Fellowship input and response to the CAR survey, the 2023 World Service Conference selected this as an Issue Discussion Topic, or IDT.
This topic, at its heart, is about our ability as a Fellowship to carry the message—if new members do not feel safe, they won’t stay. It’s also about public relations— if professionals hear negative things about NA, they will stop referring clients to us, treatment centers will go somewhere else, and addicts who need us may never find us.
Define terms:
Many things can fall into the category of disruptive or predatory behavior. One way to think about disruptive behavior generally is behavior that interferes with the peace, security, and integrity of a meeting and its members. Disruptive behavior can range from yelling “clean” after someone says “sober” in a share, to brandishing a weapon during a meeting. It’s a wide
Many things can fall into the category of disruptive or predatory behavior. One way to think about disruptive behavior generally is behavior that interferes with the peace, security, and integrity of a meeting and its members. Disruptive behavior can range from yelling “clean” after someone says “sober” in a share, to brandishing a weapon during a meeting. It’s a wide
range.
Predatory behavior happens when a member knowingly or unknowingly takes advantage of another member's vulnerability. New or returning members may be especially vulnerable to predation. Sometimes the behavior is blatant, sometimes subtle.
The Group Booklet reminds us “Common sense, open minds, calm discussion, accurate information, mutual respect, and healthy personal recovery enable a group to deal effectively with almost anything that comes its way.”
As group members, part of our responsibility is to make sure that those most vulnerable to predation are nurtured and protected. This is not about policing our rooms or members. We all have a right to recover. This is about giving each other space to do that.
Questions:
If you attended a workshop on this topic: