Summary
A 45-year-old defense contractor was denied a security clearance under Guideline G (Alcohol Consumption) due to a history of excessive alcohol use. The Statement of Reasons alleged that the applicant had not mitigated concerns related to alcohol consumption, continued to drink after treatment, and that alcohol was the primary factor in his legal separation. A psychologist diagnosed the applicant with moderate alcohol use disorder.
Disqualifying conditions were raised, citing the applicant's pattern of alcohol consumption, inability to control intake, and consumption to the point of impaired judgment. While mitigating conditions were applied, acknowledging the applicant's participation in counseling and a period of abstinence, these were ultimately deemed insufficient.
The denial was based on the applicant's long history of excessive alcohol consumption, including daily binge drinking. Despite achieving abstinence since June 2023, concerns about potential recurrence were raised due to past relapses. The administrative judge concluded that the applicant had not provided sufficient evidence of a clear and established pattern of abstinence to mitigate the security risks.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant has a long history of excessive alcohol consumption, including daily binge drinking.
- Despite recent abstinence, the applicant's history of relapses raised concerns about the likelihood of recurrence.
- The applicant did not provide sufficient evidence of a clear and established pattern of abstinence.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 22(c)appliedHabitual or Binge Consumption of Alcohol
- AG ¶ 22(d)rejectedDiagnosis of Alcohol Use DisorderThe specific alcohol use disorder allegation was unsupported by evidence.
- AG ¶ 22(e)rejectedFailure to Follow Treatment AdviceNo established diagnosis of alcohol use disorder was proven.
- AG ¶ 22(f)rejectedAlcohol Consumption Not in Accordance with Treatment RecommendationsThe allegations did not state disqualifying facts.
- AG ¶ 23(a)rejectedTime Passed or Infrequent Behavior Unlikely to RecurThe applicant's history of relapses indicated a likelihood of recurrence.
- AG ¶ 23(b)rejectedAcknowledgment of Alcohol Use and Evidence of Actions TakenThe applicant's abstinence was not deemed a clear and established pattern.
- AG ¶ 23(d)rejectedSuccessful Completion of Treatment ProgramThe applicant's history of treatment and relapse did not support this condition.
Key Rule Quoted
“The protection of the national security is the paramount consideration.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedMar 8, 2024
- Answer filedMar 13, 2024Requested decision based on written record.
- Hearing held—Decision based on written record.
- Decision dateNov 8, 2024
Cite For
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to History of Alcohol Consumption Under Guideline G
- Insufficient Evidence of Sustained Recovery From Alcohol Use Disorder
- Consideration of the Whole-person Concept in Security Clearance Decisions.