Summary
A 31-year-old married man with two children was denied a security clearance under Guideline H (Drug Involvement) due to an extensive history of illegal drug use. The applicant's drug use began in 2002 with marijuana, which he used multiple times while in the military, along with the synthetic drug spice and a single instance of heroin use. He also misused the painkiller Percocet during his military service.
After leaving the military, the applicant began using cocaine in July 2013, developing an addiction. Following a second treatment program, he resumed marijuana use. Although the applicant claimed sobriety since 2013 and participation in a 12-step program, he failed to provide supporting documentation to corroborate these claims or a current favorable prognosis from a medical professional.
The judge found that the applicant's past illegal drug involvement, including use while holding a security clearance, raised significant doubts about his reliability and trustworthiness. Despite efforts at rehabilitation, insufficient evidence was presented to mitigate the security concerns, leading to the denial of the security clearance.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant had an extensive history of illegal drug use, including while holding a security clearance.
- He failed to provide corroborating evidence of continued sobriety and a current favorable prognosis from a medical professional.
- The applicant's past illegal drug involvement raised significant doubts about his reliability and trustworthiness.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 25(a)raisedSubstance Misuse
- AG ¶ 25(c)raisedIllegal Possession of a Controlled Substance
- AG ¶ 25(d)raisedDiagnosis of Substance Use Disorder
- AG ¶ 25(f)raisedIllegal Drug Use While Holding a Security Clearance
- AG ¶ 26(a)rejectedBehavior Happened Long Ago or InfrequentlyThe applicant's history of substance abuse was extensive and included recent use.
- AG ¶ 26(b)rejectedAcknowledgment of Drug Involvement and Actions TakenThe applicant did not provide sufficient evidence of a pattern of abstinence.
- AG ¶ 26(d)rejectedCompletion of a Prescribed Drug Treatment ProgramThe applicant did not provide a current diagnosis or prognosis from a qualified professional.
Key Rule Quoted
“[N]o one has a ‘right’ to a security clearance.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedApr 7, 2016
- Answer filed—
- Hearing held—Applicant requested a determination on the administrative record.
- Decision dateDec 8, 2017
Cite For
- Denial Based on Extensive History of Drug Use Under Guideline H
- Insufficient Evidence of Rehabilitation and Sobriety
- Importance of Corroborating Evidence in Mitigating Security Concerns