Summary
A 52-year-old analyst was granted a security clearance despite concerns under Guideline G (Alcohol Consumption). The applicant had a history of alcohol dependence, including a 1999 DUI arrest and another alcohol-related incident in 2004. He also underwent counseling and treatment for his dependence.
However, the applicant demonstrated significant mitigating factors. He has maintained sobriety since December 2006, following a period of being nearly alcohol-free since mid-2006. In June 2007, he completed a nine-week substance abuse outpatient program and continues to participate in an after-care program.
The applicant showed a strong understanding of his situation, received a favorable evaluation from a licensed clinical social worker, and reconnected with his religion. Character witnesses also vouched for his trustworthiness. The judge determined that the applicant's sustained sobriety and proactive steps to address his alcohol dependence outweighed the past disqualifying conditions, leading to the clearance being granted.
Why the applicant prevailed
- The applicant has been nearly alcohol free since mid-2006 and has not consumed alcohol since December 2006.
- He completed a nine-week substance abuse outpatient program in June 2007 and is participating in an after-care program.
- The applicant demonstrated insight into his alcohol dependence and took serious steps to address it.
Conditions referenced
- G.2.araisedAlcohol-related Incidents Away From Work
- G.2.craisedHabitual or Binge Consumption of Alcohol
- G.2.draisedDiagnosis by a Duly Qualified Medical Professional of Alcohol Abuse or Alcohol Dependence
- G.2.eraisedEvaluation of Alcohol Abuse or Alcohol Dependence by a Licensed Clinical Social Worker
- G.2.fraisedRelapse After Diagnosis of Alcohol Abuse or Dependence and Completion of an Alcohol-rehabilitation Program
- G.3.aappliedSo Much Time Has Passed, or the Behavior Was so Infrequent, or It Happened Under Such Unusual Circumstances That It Is Unlikely to Recur
- G.3.bappliedThe Individual Acknowledges His Alcoholism, Provides Evidence of Actions Taken, and Has Established a Pattern of Abstinence
- G.3.crejectedThe Individual Is a Current Employee Who Is Participating in a Counseling or Treatment Program and Has No History of Previous Treatment or Relapse
- G.3.drejectedThe Three-part Reform and Rehabilitation Condition
Key rule quoted
“The concern under Guideline G for alcohol consumption is that 'excessive consumption often leads to the exercise of questionable judgment or the failure to control impulses.'”
Procedural posture
- SOR issuedMay 21, 2007
- Answer filedJun 25, 2007
- Hearing heldOct 2, 2007
- Decision dateOct 29, 2007
Cite for
- Mitigating Conditions Under Guideline G for Alcohol Consumption
- Evidence of Rehabilitation and Commitment to Sobriety
- Impact of Personal Circumstances on Alcohol-related Behavior