Summary
This case concerns a 52-year-old male applicant seeking a public trust position, whose security clearance was granted despite a history of alcohol-related issues under Guideline G (Alcohol Consumption). The Statement of Reasons detailed a history of driving under the influence, multiple periods of alcohol treatment between 2003 and 2012, and a 2011 diagnosis of alcohol dependence. It also noted continued alcohol consumption and relapse following this diagnosis and treatment.
Disqualifying conditions related to alcohol involvement were raised, including a pattern of alcohol abuse, diagnosis of alcohol dependence, and continued use despite negative consequences. However, the judge applied several mitigating conditions.
The decision to grant the clearance was based on the applicant's demonstrated commitment to recovery. He showed a pattern of abstinence, actively participated in counseling and Alcoholics Anonymous for several years, and had not consumed alcohol since summer 2015, with his last alcohol treatment occurring in 2012. The judge found that these actions mitigated the trustworthiness concerns, leading to a granted outcome.
Why the applicant prevailed
- The applicant demonstrated a pattern of abstinence or responsible use of alcohol.
- He actively participated in counseling and Alcoholics Anonymous for several years.
- The applicant's last alcohol treatment was in 2012, and he had not consumed alcohol since summer 2015.
Conditions referenced
- AG ¶ 22(a)raisedAlcohol-related Incidents Away From Work
- AG ¶ 22(c)raisedHabitual or Binge Consumption of Alcohol
- AG ¶ 22(e)raisedEvaluation of Alcohol Abuse or Dependence
- AG ¶ 22(f)raisedRelapse After Diagnosis of Alcohol Abuse or Dependence
- AG ¶ 23(a)appliedTime Passed or Infrequent Behavior Unlikely to Recur
- AG ¶ 23(b)appliedAcknowledgment of Alcoholism and Pattern of Abstinence
- AG ¶ 23(d)appliedSuccessful Completion of Counseling and Favorable Prognosis
Key rule quoted
“The standard that must be met for . . . assignment to sensitive duties is that, based on all available information, the person’s loyalty, reliability, and trustworthiness are such that . . . assigning the person to sensitive duties is clearly consistent with the interests of national security.”
Procedural posture
- SOR issuedApr 20, 2016
- Answer filedMay 16, 2016Applicant elected to have the case decided on the written record.
- Hearing held—No hearing; decided on the written record.
- Decision dateMay 19, 2017
Cite for
- Mitigation of Alcohol Involvement Concerns Under Guideline G
- Pattern of Abstinence as a Mitigating Factor
- Importance of Ongoing Counseling and Support in Recovery From Alcohol Dependence