Summary
A 60-year-old defense contractor employee was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline G (Alcohol Consumption) and Guideline H (Drug Involvement). The applicant has a documented history of alcohol dependence and opiate abuse, including multiple rehabilitation attempts and relapses.
Specific allegations included a January 2006 DUI conviction following a car crash while intoxicated, a diagnosis of alcohol dependence, and a diagnosis of opiate abuse (Vicodin). Although the applicant has maintained sobriety since January 2006, the judge found that this period was insufficient to mitigate the security concerns.
The denial was based on the applicant's history of multiple relapses after treatment programs, the medical diagnoses of alcohol dependence and opiate abuse, and the DUI conviction, which indicated impaired judgment. Despite the applicant's current sobriety, a sufficient record of sustained abstinence was not established to overcome the past pattern of substance abuse.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- Applicant has a history of multiple relapses after rehabilitation programs.
- He was diagnosed with alcohol dependence and opiate abuse by medical professionals.
- Applicant's last relapse resulted in a DUI conviction, indicating impaired judgment.
Conditions Referenced
- G DC 22(a)raisedAlcohol-related Incidents Away From Work
- G DC 22(c)raisedHabitual or Binge Consumption of Alcohol
- G DC 22(d)raisedDiagnosis of Alcohol Abuse or Dependence
- G DC 22(f)raisedRelapse After Diagnosis and Treatment
- H DC 25(a)raisedAny Drug Abuse
- H DC 25(d)raisedDiagnosis of Drug Abuse or Dependence
- H DC 25(g)raisedIllegal Drug Use After Being Granted a Security Clearance
- G MC 23(a)rejectedTime Passed or Infrequent Behavior Unlikely to Recur
- G MC 23(b)rejectedAcknowledgment of Alcoholism and Actions Taken to Overcome It
- G MC 23(d)rejectedSuccessful Completion of Treatment and Favorable Prognosis
- H MC 26(a)rejectedBehavior Unlikely to Recur
- H MC 26(b)rejectedDemonstrated Intent Not to Abuse Drugs in the Future
- H MC 26(c)rejectedAbuse After Severe Illness and Has Since Ended
- H MC 26(d)rejectedCompletion of Drug Treatment Program with No Recurrence
Key Rule Quoted
“An applicant has the ultimate burden of demonstrating that it is clearly consistent with the national interest to grant or continue his or her security clearance.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedDec 28, 2006
- Answer filedJan 25, 2007Applicant elected to decide on the written record.
- Hearing held—No hearing; decided on written record.
- Decision dateMay 22, 2007
Cite For
- Denial of Clearance Due to Repeated Substance Abuse Relapses
- Insufficient Record of Sobriety to Mitigate Security Concerns
- Impact of DUI Conviction on Security Clearance Eligibility