Summary
A 37-year-old civilian employee was denied a security clearance under Guideline G (Alcohol Consumption) due to unresolved issues related to alcohol use. The Statement of Reasons detailed that the applicant consumed alcohol, at times to the point of intoxication, from approximately September 2018 to at least July 2019, including daily intoxication. The applicant received treatment at A Facility for Alcohol Use Disorder (Severe) in September 2018 and again in July 2019. However, the applicant reportedly failed to follow treatment advice and continued to consume alcohol despite the diagnosis and treatment.
Disqualifying conditions under Guideline G were raised, while mitigating conditions were also considered. Ultimately, the administrative judge concluded that the applicant did not sufficiently mitigate the concerns. The denial was based on the excessive and ongoing nature of the applicant's alcohol consumption, which raised doubts about reliability and trustworthiness.
The applicant failed to provide updated medical documentation or endorsements to support claims of sustained sobriety. Additionally, assurances of abstinence were not corroborated by sufficient evidence of ongoing treatment or monitoring. Consequently, the applicant was denied eligibility for access to classified information.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant's alcohol consumption was excessive and ongoing, leading to concerns about reliability and trustworthiness.
- The applicant failed to provide updated medical documentation or endorsements to corroborate claims of sustained sobriety.
- The applicant's assurances of abstinence were not supported by sufficient evidence of ongoing treatment or monitoring.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 22(c)raisedHabitual or Binge Consumption of Alcohol to the Point of Impaired Judgment
- AG ¶ 22(d)raisedDiagnosis by a Duly Qualified Medical or Mental Health Professional of Alcohol Use Disorder
- AG ¶ 22(e)raisedFailure to Follow Treatment Advice Once Diagnosed
- AG ¶ 22(f)raisedAlcohol Consumption Not in Accordance with Treatment Recommendations After Diagnosis
- AG ¶ 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
- AG ¶ 23(b)rejectedAcknowledges Pattern of Maladaptive Alcohol Use and Provides Evidence of Actions Taken to Overcome This Problem
- AG ¶ 23(d)rejectedSuccessfully Completed a Treatment Program Along with Any Required Aftercare
Key Rule Quoted
“Eligibility for access to classified information may only be granted "upon a finding that it is clearly consistent with the national interest to do so."”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedJun 18, 2021
- Answer filedJun 30, 2021
- Hearing heldAug 10, 2022via Teams Conference Services
- Decision dateOct 17, 2022
Cite For
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Unresolved Alcohol Consumption Issues
- Importance of Updated Medical Documentation in Mitigating Alcohol-related Concerns
- Impact of Personal Circumstances on Alcohol Consumption and Security Clearance Eligibility