Summary
A 47-year-old defense contractor was denied a security clearance under Guideline G (Alcohol Consumption) due to a long history of alcohol-related issues. From 1988 to May 2015, the applicant regularly consumed alcohol to the point of intoxication. This history included a 2008 conviction for child cruelty and a 2012 conviction for driving under the influence of alcohol.
The applicant completed outpatient alcohol treatment programs in 2012 but relapsed shortly thereafter. In 2015, he failed to complete a court-ordered treatment program by violating its abstinence requirement. Although he completed another outpatient treatment program in February 2016 and maintained sobriety since May 2015, the judge found this period of sobriety insufficient.
The denial was based on the applicant's extensive history of alcohol problems, including multiple relapses and criminal charges, and a lack of evidence demonstrating a favorable prognosis for future alcohol abuse. The judge concluded that the recent period of sobriety was too short to confidently determine that a recurrence of alcohol abuse was unlikely.
Why the applicant was denied
- The applicant had a lengthy history of alcohol-related problems, including multiple relapses and criminal charges.
- He failed to provide evidence of a favorable prognosis concerning future alcohol abuse.
- The judge determined that the applicant's recent period of sobriety was too short to conclude that recurrence of alcohol abuse is unlikely.
Conditions referenced
- G.22(a)raisedAlcohol-related Incidents Away From Work
- G.22(c)raisedHabitual or Binge Consumption of Alcohol
- G.22(d)raisedDiagnosis of Alcohol Dependence
- G.22(f)raisedRelapse After Diagnosis and Treatment
- G.22(g)raisedFailure to Follow Court Orders Regarding Alcohol Treatment
- G.23(b)rejectedAcknowledgment of Alcoholism and Actions Taken to Overcome ItThe applicant's recent sobriety and treatment completion were insufficient to mitigate concerns.
- G.23(c)rejectedParticipation in a Counseling or Treatment ProgramThe applicant's treatment was too recent and followed a history of relapses.
- G.23(d)rejectedSuccessful Completion of Treatment and AftercareThe applicant's pattern of previous treatment failures undermined the credibility of his current abstinence.
Key rule quoted
“Any doubt concerning personnel being considered for access to classified information will be resolved in favor of the national security.”
Procedural posture
- SOR issuedJun 29, 2015
- Answer filedAug 25, 2015Initially requested decision based on administrative record.
- Hearing heldApr 28, 2016Hearing conducted via video teleconference.
- Decision dateJan 11, 2017
Cite for
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Long History of Alcohol Abuse
- Insufficient Evidence of Rehabilitation After Multiple Relapses
- Importance of Demonstrating a Pattern of Abstinence for Mitigating Conditions Under Guideline G