Summary
A 32-year-old test engineer was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline G (Alcohol Consumption), Guideline H (Drug Involvement), and Guideline I (Psychological Conditions). The applicant had a history of alcohol dependence from 1994 to June 2008, consuming six to 24 drinks to intoxication, leading to multiple arrests for public intoxication in 1999, 2005, and 2008. He was also diagnosed with alcohol dependence and abuse by qualified professionals.
Regarding drug involvement, the applicant used marijuana approximately 90 to 125 times from 1995 to 1999, sporadically until 2003, and then two or three times until 2007. He consumed hallucinogenic mushrooms 15 to 20 times in 1998 and 1999, and once in February 2008. Cocaine was used on 20 to 25 occasions between 1998 and 2005, and he was in possession of marijuana in 1999.
The applicant also had an extensive history of psychological conditions, including multiple inpatient and outpatient treatments between 2001 and 2008 for suicidal ideation, self-destructive behavior, and diagnoses including alcohol-induced mood disorder, personality disorder, bipolar disorder, polysubstance abuse, and borderline personality disorder. He also experienced substance-induced mood and psychotic disorders with visual hallucinations and paranoia. Despite some evidence of recent abstinence and character references, the judge found that the applicant's history of alcohol dependence, drug use, and psychological disorders impaired his judgment and reliability, leading to the denial of his security clearance.
Why the applicant was denied
- The applicant admitted to a long history of alcohol dependence and psychological issues, including multiple diagnoses of mental health disorders.
- The government psychologist's assessment indicated that the applicant's psychological conditions could impair his judgment and reliability.
- The applicant's claims of recent abstinence and character references were insufficient to mitigate the established concerns.
Conditions referenced
- G.2.araisedAlcohol Dependence
- H.2.araisedIllegal Drug Involvement
- I.2.araisedPsychological Conditions
Key rule quoted
“A person who seeks access to classified information enters into a fiduciary relationship with the government predicated upon trust and confidence.”
Procedural posture
- SOR issuedJan 16, 2009
- Answer filedFeb 17, 2009
- Hearing heldMar 25, 2009
- Decision dateMay 27, 2009
Cite for
- Denial Based on Established History of Alcohol Dependence and Psychological Issues
- Insufficient Mitigation Despite Evidence of Recent Abstinence
- Importance of Expert Psychological Evaluations in Security Clearance Determinations