Summary
A 34-year-old unmarried woman was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline G (Alcohol Consumption) and Guideline I (Psychological Conditions). The applicant admitted to consuming alcohol, at times to intoxication, from approximately June 2004 until about September 2021, and identified herself as an alcoholic.
Her history included multiple alcohol-related incidents: in August 2013, she was placed on probation by Employer A due to alcohol abuse; in May 2017, she received a written warning from Employer B for on-the-job intoxication; and in October 2017, she was hospitalized following an alcohol-related incident. She was terminated from Employer C in March 2018 for being under the influence at work, and abandoned employment at Employer D in January 2019 and Employer E in March 2019, both due to alcohol misuse.
In February 2021, the applicant was diagnosed with severe Alcohol Use Disorder, in sustained remission. Despite this diagnosis, she continued to consume alcohol. The denial was based on her admitted alcohol-related incidents, her ongoing alcohol consumption despite the diagnosis, and her failure to demonstrate a clear pattern of modified consumption or abstinence consistent with treatment recommendations.
Why the applicant was denied
- The applicant admitted to multiple alcohol-related incidents, including being under the influence while on the job and being hospitalized due to alcohol.
- The applicant was diagnosed with severe Alcohol Use Disorder and continued to consume alcohol despite this diagnosis.
- The applicant failed to demonstrate a clear and established pattern of modified consumption or abstinence in accordance with treatment recommendations.
Conditions referenced
- G-21(a)raisedAlcohol-related Incidents Away From Work
- G-21(c)raisedHabitual or Binge Consumption of Alcohol
- G-21(d)raisedDiagnosis of Alcohol Use Disorder
- G-21(e)raisedFailure to Follow Treatment Advice
- G-21(f)raisedAlcohol Consumption Not in Accordance with Treatment Recommendations
- I-27(a)raisedBehavior That Casts Doubt on Judgment
- I-27(b)raisedOpinion by a Mental Health Professional
- I-27(d)raisedFailure to Follow a Prescribed Treatment Plan
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 issuedJun 21, 2021
- Answer filedJun 29, 2021
- Hearing held—Hearing convened on September 2, 2021.
- Decision dateJan 14, 2022
Cite for
- Security Concerns Related to Alcohol Consumption Under Guideline G
- Impact of Psychological Conditions on Security Clearance Eligibility Under Guideline I
- Failure to Mitigate Disqualifying Conditions Despite a Diagnosis of Alcohol Use Disorder