Summary
A 52-year-old registered nurse was evaluated for national security eligibility under Guideline G (Alcohol Consumption) and Guideline H (Drug Involvement and Substance Misuse). Concerns arose from a history of opioid addiction and a subsequent alcohol-related incident. The applicant admitted to developing an addiction to Tramadol, a prescribed narcotic, by 2008, after using it for pain management since 2000. He voluntarily sought inpatient treatment, followed by outpatient aftercare, for this opioid dependence.
The applicant also faced an allegation of consuming alcohol in violation of a treatment agreement with his state's nursing board, which required abstinence. However, the record indicated no diagnosis of an alcohol use disorder, nor was he court-ordered to abstain or undergo alcohol treatment; his only diagnosis referenced opioid dependence.
Ultimately, the applicant successfully mitigated these concerns. He voluntarily sought treatment for opioid addiction and has maintained sobriety since 2014, with one exception. He has consistently complied with all treatment requirements, regularly attends support meetings, and received a positive assessment from his physician regarding his recovery progress. As a result, the applicant was granted national security eligibility.
Why the applicant prevailed
- The applicant voluntarily sought treatment for opioid addiction and has maintained sobriety since 2014, except for one incident.
- He has complied with all treatment requirements and continues to attend support meetings regularly.
- The applicant's physician provided a positive assessment of his recovery progress.
Conditions referenced
- H22(a)raisedAlcohol-related Incidents Away From Work
- H22(e)rejectedFailure to Follow Treatment Advice Once Diagnosed
- H22(f)rejectedAlcohol Consumption Not in Accordance with Treatment Recommendations
- H22(g)rejectedFailure to Follow Any Court Order Regarding Alcohol Education, Evaluation, Treatment, or Abstinence
- H26(b)appliedAcknowledgment of Drug Involvement and Actions Taken to Overcome the Problem
- H26(c)appliedAbuse of Prescription Drugs Was After a Severe or Prolonged Illness and Has Since Ended
- H26(d)appliedSatisfactory Completion of a Prescribed Drug Treatment Program
- G23(a)appliedTime Has Passed or Behavior Was Infrequent, Unlikely to Recur
Key rule quoted
“The protection of the national security is the paramount consideration.”
Procedural posture
- SOR issuedFeb 24, 2017
- Answer filedMar 21, 2017
- Hearing heldJan 30, 2018via MS Teams
- Decision dateMay 14, 2018
Cite for
- Mitigation of Substance Misuse Under Guideline H
- Mitigation of Alcohol Consumption Concerns Under Guideline G
- Importance of Long-term Recovery Commitment in Trustworthiness Evaluations