Summary
A 54-year-old female defense contractor employee was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guidelines E (Personal Conduct), G (Alcohol Consumption), and I (Psychological Conditions). The applicant admitted to a history of alcohol dependence, drug use, and psychological issues, but failed to provide sufficient evidence of rehabilitation or control over these issues.
Specifically, the applicant admitted to consuming alcohol to the point of intoxication from approximately 1997 until September 2009, and was arrested for driving while intoxicated in 1993. In June 2006, she was treated for alcohol withdrawal and diagnosed as alcohol dependent and having a personality disorder, yet continued to consume alcohol. She also admitted to using marijuana from 1975 until June 2006 and cocaine from 1974 until at least February 2006, but initially provided only a partial answer regarding her illegal drug use on her application, omitting cocaine.
Furthermore, the applicant admitted to being treated in 2006 for a psychotic disorder after experiencing auditory and visual hallucinations, which she stated had occurred intermittently since age 14. The denial was based on her admitted history of alcohol consumption and dependence, her failure to demonstrate abstinence or responsible alcohol use post-diagnosis, and her concealment of cocaine use on her security clearance application, indicating an intent to deceive.
Why the applicant was denied
- The applicant admitted to a history of alcohol consumption to the point of intoxication and was diagnosed as alcohol dependent.
- She failed to demonstrate a pattern of abstinence or responsible use of alcohol after her diagnosis.
- The applicant concealed her cocaine use on her security clearance application, indicating intent to deceive.
Conditions referenced
- G 22(a)raisedAlcohol Consumption Disqualifying Condition
- G 22(d)raisedAlcohol Consumption Disqualifying Condition
- I 28(a)raisedPsychological Conditions Disqualifying Condition
- I 28(b)raisedPsychological Conditions Disqualifying Condition
- E 16(a)raisedPersonal Conduct Disqualifying Condition
- E 16(e)raisedPersonal Conduct Disqualifying Condition
Key rule quoted
“Any doubt concerning personnel being considered for access to classified information will be resolved in favor of national security.”
Procedural posture
- SOR issuedSep 27, 2010
- Answer filedOct 11, 2010Applicant admitted all allegations.
- Hearing held—Decided on the written record.
- Decision dateMay 20, 2011
Cite for
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Alcohol Dependence and Psychological Issues
- Failure to Mitigate Security Concerns Related to Personal Conduct
- Concealment of Drug Use on Security Clearance Application as a Disqualifying Factor