Summary
A 34-year-old software engineer was denied a security clearance due to unmitigated concerns under Guideline G (Alcohol Consumption), despite successfully mitigating issues related to Guideline I (Psychological Conditions). The Statement of Reasons detailed several incidents of excessive alcohol use, including a public intoxication charge in January 2010 after consuming six to eight beers, and a public urination charge in October 2012 following consumption of beer and up to eight additional drinks.
Furthermore, from September 2015 to at least July 2023, the applicant reported consuming approximately six beers daily. In October 2022, a licensed psychologist diagnosed him with generalized anxiety disorder and alcohol use disorder.
The denial was based on the recency and frequency of his excessive alcohol consumption, which continued until about four months before the hearing. The applicant admitted to a maladaptive pattern of alcohol use, confirmed by his diagnosis of alcohol use disorder. Insufficient time had elapsed to demonstrate a consistent pattern of modified consumption or abstinence from alcohol.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant's excessive alcohol consumption was recent and frequent until approximately four months prior to the hearing.
- He admitted to a pattern of maladaptive alcohol use and was diagnosed with alcohol use disorder by a qualified professional.
- Insufficient time had passed to establish a clear pattern of modified consumption or abstinence from alcohol.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 22(a)appliedAlcohol-related Incidents Away From Work
- AG ¶ 22(c)appliedHabitual or Binge Consumption of Alcohol
- AG ¶ 22(d)appliedDiagnosis of Alcohol Use Disorder
- AG ¶ 23(a)rejectedTime Passed or Infrequent Behavior Unlikely to RecurApplicant's excessive alcohol consumption was recent and frequent.
- AG ¶ 23(b)rejectedAcknowledgment of Maladaptive Alcohol Use and Evidence of Actions TakenInsufficient time had passed to establish a pattern of modified consumption or abstinence.
- AG ¶ 29(a)appliedCondition Is Readily Controllable with TreatmentApplicant's anxiety and ADHD are controllable, but he admitted it is too soon to tell if he can continue abstaining from alcohol.
- AG ¶ 29(e)appliedNo Indication of a Current ProblemThere has been no indication of a problem within the past four or five months.
Key Rule Quoted
“Eligibility for a security clearance is predicated upon the applicant meeting the criteria contained in the adjudicative guidelines.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedAug 22, 2023
- Answer filedOct 30, 2023
- Hearing heldJun 12, 2024conducted by video teleconference
- Decision dateAug 16, 2024
Cite For
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Excessive Alcohol Consumption Under Guideline G
- Mitigation of Psychological Conditions Under Guideline I
- Consideration of Recent Behavior in Security Clearance Determinations