Summary
A 62-year-old engineer was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline G (Alcohol Consumption) and Guideline I (Psychological Conditions). The denial stemmed from a long history of excessive alcohol use and multiple treatment relapses, which raised questions about his reliability and trustworthiness.
The applicant's history included a job termination in early 2010 for intoxication, followed by a two-month outpatient program. Later that year, he entered a 30-day inpatient program after his marriage ended. Between 2010 and June 2015, he underwent multiple inpatient and outpatient treatments with several relapses. In May 2014, he was arrested and charged with DUI and Failure to Stop after an Accident, though he denied a four-day jail sentence. Further treatment included a 30-day inpatient program for Alcohol Use Disorder and Depression in August 2017, and an inpatient program for Alcohol Use Disorder in January 2021, which he left prematurely.
Despite acknowledging his alcoholism and participating in Alcoholics Anonymous, the applicant's recent alcohol consumption and insufficient evidence of sustained sobriety led to the denial. He failed to demonstrate a clear and established pattern of abstinence consistent with treatment recommendations.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant has a long history of excessive alcohol consumption and failed to follow treatment advice after being diagnosed with alcohol use disorder.
- Recent alcohol use and multiple treatment relapses raised concerns about the applicant's reliability and trustworthiness.
- The applicant did not demonstrate a clear and established pattern of abstinence in accordance with treatment recommendations.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 22(a)raisedAlcohol-related Incidents Away From Work
- AG ¶ 22(b)raisedAlcohol-related Incidents at Work
- AG ¶ 22(c)raisedHabitual or Binge Consumption of Alcohol
- AG ¶ 22(d)raisedDiagnosis of Alcohol Use Disorder
- AG ¶ 22(e)raisedFailure to Follow Treatment Advice
- AG ¶ 22(f)raisedAlcohol Consumption Not in Accordance with Treatment Recommendations
- AG ¶ 28(c)raisedVoluntary or Involuntary Inpatient Hospitalization
- AG ¶ 28(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 issuedApr 1, 2022
- Answer filedMay 26, 2022
- Hearing heldDec 7, 2022via video teleconference
- Decision dateMar 3, 2023
Cite For
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to History of Alcohol Use Disorder
- Insufficient Evidence of Sustained Sobriety as a Disqualifying Factor
- Failure to Demonstrate Compliance with Treatment Recommendations Under Guideline G and I