Summary
A 33-year-old defense contractor employee was granted a security clearance despite past drug involvement, which was evaluated under Guideline H (Drug Involvement). The Statement of Reasons detailed two primary allegations: the non-prescribed use of lorazepam and alprazolam (Xanax) from approximately 2019 until at least April 2023, including while in a sensitive position, and infrequent marijuana use from about 2011 until at least May 2020. These actions raised disqualifying conditions under paragraphs 25(a), 25(c), and 25(f) of Guideline H.
However, the judge applied mitigating condition 26(a) due to the applicant's demonstrated efforts to address her past behavior. The decision to grant the clearance was based on several factors. The applicant showed credible engagement in therapy and counseling to resolve her drug use issues.
Furthermore, she fully disclosed her past drug use in her security clearance application and during subsequent interviews. Crucially, the applicant committed to abstaining from all non-prescribed medications and illegal drug use moving forward.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant demonstrated credible efforts in therapy and counseling to address her past drug use.
- She fully disclosed her past drug use in her security clearance application and subsequent interviews.
- The applicant committed to abstaining from non-prescribed medications and illegal drug use.
Conditions Referenced
- DC ¶ 25(a)raisedAny Substance Misuse
- DC ¶ 25(c)raisedIllegal Possession of a Controlled Substance
- DC ¶ 25(f)raisedAny Illegal Drug Use While Granted Access to Classified Information or Holding a Sensitive Position
- MC ¶ 26(a)appliedThe Behavior Happened so Long Ago, Was so Infrequent, or Happened Under Such Unusual Circumstances That It Is Unlikely to Recur or Does Not Cast Doubt on the Individual’s Current Reliability, Trustworthiness, or Good Judgment
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 issuedFeb 19, 2025
- Answer filedMar 12, 2025Applicant elected to have her case decided on the written record.
- Hearing held—Decision made based on written record.
- Decision dateJan 15, 2026
Cite For
- Mitigation of Drug Involvement Under Guideline H
- Credibility of Therapy and Counseling Efforts in Security Clearance Cases
- Consideration of Infrequent Drug Use in the Context of Overall Reliability and Trustworthiness