Summary
A 50-year-old defense contractor employee was denied a security clearance under Guideline G (Alcohol Consumption) due to a history of substance abuse. Allegations included alcohol consumption to excess from approximately 1979 to at least May 2008, and treatment for a polysubstance abuse disorder between September 1991 and March 1992. The applicant resumed drinking in 2003 and was arrested for DWI and failure to maintain a single lane in March 2008, resulting in a guilty plea, a fine, two days of work release, and two years of supervised probation. Further alcohol counseling for relapse occurred from September 2008 to at least April 2009.
Disqualifying conditions under Guideline G, specifically paragraphs 22(a) and 22(c), were raised. Mitigating conditions 23(a), 23(b), and 23(d) were applied.
Despite a two-year period of abstinence from alcohol, the clearance was denied. The judge cited the applicant's long history of substance abuse, including multiple alcohol-related incidents, the resumption of drinking after prior treatment, and the 2008 DWI arrest. Ultimately, the applicant did not provide sufficient evidence of rehabilitation or a favorable prognosis from qualified medical professionals.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant has a long history of substance abuse, including multiple instances of alcohol-related incidents.
- The applicant resumed drinking alcohol after a period of treatment and was arrested for DWI in 2008.
- The applicant did not provide sufficient evidence of rehabilitation or a favorable prognosis from qualified medical professionals.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 22(a)raisedAlcohol-related Incidents Away From Work
- AG ¶ 22(c)raisedHabitual or Binge Consumption of Alcohol
- AG ¶ 23(a)rejectedSignificant Time Has Passed Without MisconductTwo years of abstinence is not sufficient given the applicant's long history of substance abuse.
- AG ¶ 23(b)rejectedAcknowledgment of Alcohol Issues and Pattern of AbstinenceNot enough time has elapsed to establish a pattern of abstinence.
- AG ¶ 23(d)rejectedSuccessful Completion of Counseling or RehabilitationNo evidence of a favorable prognosis from current caregivers.
Key Rule Quoted
“Eligibility for a security clearance is predicated upon the applicant meeting the criteria contained in the AG.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedMar 15, 2010
- Answer filedMar 26, 2010Requested determination on the record without a hearing.
- Hearing held—No hearing was held.
- Decision dateAug 31, 2010
Cite For
- Denial of Clearance Due to History of Alcohol-related Incidents
- Insufficient Evidence of Rehabilitation After Substance Abuse
- Impact of Past Conduct on Current Security Clearance Eligibility