Summary
A 34-year-old systems engineer was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline G (Alcohol Consumption) and Guideline H (Drug Involvement). The applicant admitted to a history of substance abuse, including the use of six different illegal drugs between 2004 and September 2022. This included purchasing marijuana and self-medicating on various occasions.
Additionally, the applicant was charged and convicted of Driving Under the Influence and Excess Blood or Refusal to Test in October 2014. In April 2015, the applicant attended a 30-day inpatient treatment program for alcohol and drug abuse. However, after leaving treatment, the applicant consumed alcohol at various times, including between August 2016 and October 2016, August 2020 and September 2020, and in February 2022. Concerns under Guideline E (Personal Conduct) were largely considered duplicative of the other guidelines.
Despite some mitigating factors, the judge determined that the applicant's extensive history of substance misuse was too significant to overcome the security concerns. Consequently, the applicant was denied eligibility for access to classified information.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant admitted to using multiple illegal substances and had a history of alcohol-related incidents, including a DUI conviction.
- The applicant's lengthy history of substance abuse was deemed too significant to mitigate security concerns.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 22(a)appliedAlcohol-related Incidents Away From Work
- AG ¶ 22(d)appliedDiagnosis of Alcohol Use Disorder
- AG ¶ 22(e)appliedFailure to Follow Treatment Advice
- AG ¶ 22(f)appliedAlcohol Consumption Not in Accordance with Treatment Recommendations
- AG ¶ 25(a)appliedSubstance Misuse
- AG ¶ 25(c)appliedIllegal Possession of a Controlled Substance
- AG ¶ 25(d)appliedDiagnosis of Substance Use Disorder
- AG ¶ 26(a)rejectedBehavior Happened so Long Ago or InfrequentThe applicant's drug misuse was frequent, longstanding, and recent.
- AG ¶ 26(b)rejectedAcknowledgment of Drug Involvement and Actions Taken to OvercomeInsufficient time has passed to mitigate the lengthy history of substance abuse.
- AG ¶ 23(a)appliedTime Passed or Infrequent Behavior Unlikely to RecurThe applicant has not had an alcohol-related event involving law enforcement since 2014.
- AG ¶ 23(b)rejectedAcknowledgment of Maladaptive Alcohol Use and Evidence of Actions TakenThe applicant's alcohol issues are too recent and serious to be considered mitigated.
Key Rule Quoted
“[N]o one has a ‘right’ to a security clearance.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedMar 26, 2024
- Answer filed—Applicant requested a decision on the written record without a hearing.
- Hearing held—Decision made on the written record.
- Decision dateOct 1, 2024
Cite For
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Significant History of Substance Abuse Under Guidelines G and H
- Impact of Recent Substance Misuse on Security Clearance Eligibility
- Consideration of the Whole-person Concept in Security Clearance Determinations