Summary
A 28-year-old male applicant was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline G (Alcohol Consumption) and Guideline H (Drug Involvement). The Statement of Reasons detailed a history of alcohol use, including consuming alcohol to intoxication two to three times monthly from 1997 to 2007, an underage alcohol possession charge in 1998, and termination from employment in May 2001 for bringing a 12-pack of beer to work.
Regarding drug involvement, the applicant used marijuana approximately 50 times between 1997 and 2006, purchased marijuana, and tested positive for its metabolite. He also used cocaine at least five times from 2001 to 2006 and mushrooms three times in 2004. While the applicant mitigated the concerns related to drug use, the clearance was ultimately denied.
The denial was based on ongoing alcohol consumption issues, including a DUI conviction and workplace alcohol incidents. The applicant continued to consume alcohol to the point of intoxication, and he did not fully acknowledge an alcohol abuse problem or demonstrate a clear pattern of responsible use, raising concerns about his reliability and judgment.
Why the applicant was denied
- The applicant has a history of alcohol-related incidents, including a DUI conviction and termination from employment for alcohol use at work.
- He continues to consume alcohol to the point of intoxication, which raises concerns about his reliability and judgment.
- The applicant did not fully acknowledge an alcohol abuse problem or demonstrate a clear pattern of responsible use.
Conditions referenced
- AG ¶ 22(a)appliedAlcohol-related Incidents Away From Work
- AG ¶ 22(b)appliedAlcohol-related Incidents at Work
- AG ¶ 22(c)appliedHabitual or Binge Consumption of Alcohol
- AG ¶ 23(a)appliedTime Passed or Infrequent Behavior Unlikely to RecurApplicant had only two documented alcohol-related incidents that adversely affected his life.
- AG ¶ 23(b)rejectedAcknowledgment of Alcohol Issues and Actions TakenApplicant did not acknowledge being alcohol dependent or having an alcohol abuse problem.
- AG ¶ 23(c)rejectedParticipation in Counseling or Treatment ProgramApplicant did not attend any Alcoholics Anonymous treatment program.
- AG ¶ 23(d)rejectedSuccessful Completion of Rehabilitation and Pattern of AbstinenceApplicant continues to consume alcohol to intoxication.
Key rule quoted
“The issuance of the clearance is 'clearly consistent with the interests of national security.'”
Procedural posture
- SOR issuedMay 8, 2008
- Answer filedJun 4, 2008Applicant elected to have his case decided without a hearing.
- Hearing heldAug 28, 2008
- Decision dateSep 16, 2008
Cite for
- Denial of Clearance Due to Ongoing Alcohol Consumption Issues
- Impact of Past Alcohol-related Incidents on Security Clearance
- Mitigation of Drug Involvement Concerns in the Context of Alcohol Issues