Summary
A 37-year-old defense contractor employee was denied a security clearance under Guideline G (Alcohol Consumption) due to a history of alcohol use disorder and continued consumption despite treatment. The applicant was diagnosed with an alcohol use disorder in both 2015 and 2018, yet continued to consume alcohol. This history raised disqualifying conditions G.21(d), G.21(e), and G.21(f).
The applicant admitted to the allegation of continued alcohol consumption. While mitigating conditions G.23(a), G.23(b), and G.23(d) were considered, they were not sufficient to overcome the security concerns.
The administrative judge determined that the applicant had only achieved seven months of sobriety following over a decade of alcohol abuse. This limited period of sobriety, coupled with the repeated diagnoses and continued consumption, led to concerns about the likelihood of recurrence and an insufficient demonstration of rehabilitation or behavioral change. Consequently, the applicant's reliability and trustworthiness were deemed compromised, resulting in the denial of the security clearance.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant admitted to the allegation of alcohol consumption.
- The applicant was diagnosed with alcohol use disorder in 2015 and 2018 but continued to consume alcohol after these diagnoses.
- The applicant had only seven months of sobriety after over a decade of alcohol abuse, raising concerns about the likelihood of recurrence.
Conditions Referenced
- G.21(d)raisedDiagnosis by a Duly Qualified Medical or Mental Health Professional of Alcohol Use Disorder
- G.21(e)raisedFailure to Follow Treatment Advice Once Diagnosed
- G.21(f)raisedAlcohol Consumption, Which Is Not in Accordance with Treatment Recommendations, After a Diagnosis of Alcohol Use Disorder
- G.23(a)rejectedSo Much Time Has Passed, or the Behavior Was so Infrequent, or It Happened Under Such Unusual Circumstances That It Is Unlikely to Recur or Does Not Cast Doubt on the Individual's Current Reliability, Trustworthiness, or JudgmentThe applicant's recent history of alcohol consumption did not support this condition.
- G.23(b)rejectedThe Individual Acknowledges His or Her Pattern of Maladaptive Alcohol Use, Provides Evidence of Actions Taken to Overcome This Problem, and Has Demonstrated a Clear and Established Pattern of Modified Consumption or Abstinence in Accordance with Treatment RecommendationsThe applicant's acknowledgment of the problem was insufficient given the short duration of sobriety.
- G.23(d)rejectedThe Individual Has Successfully Completed a Treatment Program Along with Any Required Aftercare, and Has Demonstrated a Clear and Established Pattern of Modified Consumption or Abstinence in Accordance with Treatment RecommendationsThe applicant had not demonstrated a long-term commitment to sobriety.
Key Rule Quoted
“Any doubt concerning personnel being considered for national security eligibility will be resolved in favor of the national security.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedJul 3, 2018
- Answer filedAug 4, 2018
- Hearing heldOct 2, 2018
- Decision dateMar 19, 2019
Cite For
- Insufficient Evidence of Rehabilitation Under Guideline G
- Impact of Continued Alcohol Consumption on Security Clearance Eligibility
- Importance of Demonstrating a Clear Pattern of Abstinence for Mitigating Conditions