Summary
A 28-year-old rigger for a defense contractor was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guidelines E (Personal Conduct), G (Alcohol Consumption), and H (Drug Involvement). The denial stemmed from a history of alcohol and drug abuse, including multiple DUI arrests and unprescribed drug use, alongside a deliberate failure to disclose unprescribed methadone use on his application.
Specifically, the applicant consumed alcohol to excess from approximately 1995 to at least April 2006, leading to arrests in 1999, January 2005, and April 2006 for DUI. He also used unprescribed methadone, at times daily, up to April 2006, and dealt with OxyContin dependence, purchasing methadone from street dealers. His April 2006 arrest included charges for possession of unprescribed methadone and DUI. Following this, he underwent 30 days of inpatient treatment for alcohol and pain medication dependency.
Despite completing a substance abuse treatment program, the judge found insufficient evidence of long-term sobriety and compliance with treatment recommendations. The applicant's history of excessive alcohol consumption, unprescribed drug use, and intentional misrepresentation on his application led to the denial of his security clearance.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant had a history of excessive alcohol consumption and multiple DUI arrests, indicating a lack of reliability and trustworthiness.
- He admitted to using unprescribed drugs, including methadone and OxyContin, which raised significant security concerns.
- The applicant's failure to fully disclose his drug use on his security clearance application was deemed intentional and misleading.
Conditions Referenced
- G.2.araisedAlcohol-related Incidents Away From Work
- G.2.craisedHabitual or Binge Consumption of Alcohol
- H.2.araisedUse of Illegal Drugs
- H.2.craisedIllegal Drug Possession
- G.3.brejectedAcknowledgment of Alcohol Problem and Actions Taken to Overcome ItWhile the applicant acknowledged his alcohol problem and completed treatment, he did not demonstrate a clear and established pattern of abstinence.
- H.3.brejectedSuccessful Completion of a Rehabilitation ProgramThe applicant completed treatment but lacked a formal diagnosis of drug dependence and did not provide evidence of ongoing compliance with aftercare.
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 issuedJun 3, 2008
- Answer filedJun 20, 2008
- Hearing heldSep 30, 2008
- Decision dateOct 21, 2008
Cite For
- Denial Based on History of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Under Guidelines G and H
- Failure to Disclose Drug Use on Security Clearance Application Under Guideline E
- Insufficient Evidence of Long-term Sobriety and Compliance with Treatment Recommendations