Summary
A 45-year-old engineer for a defense contractor was denied a security clearance under Guideline G (Alcohol Consumption) due to a history of alcohol dependence and recent incidents of excessive drinking. The Statement of Reasons detailed multiple alcohol-related events, including a November 2004 job resignation after a .02 BAC reading, alcohol detoxification in September 2004, and treatment for alcohol-related symptoms in October 2004.
Further incidents included a March 2006 hospital evaluation after the applicant called police requesting treatment for alcoholism, and consultations for alcohol withdrawal from June to October 2006. In December 2007, he was diagnosed with alcohol dependence and obsessive-compulsive disorder. As of January 22, 2008, he was attending AA meetings twice weekly. However, in April 2008, he missed work and was found at home by a county sheriff, surrounded by beer cans and prescription drug containers. The Statement of Reasons also alleged he was consuming alcohol four times a week as of its date.
Despite completing a treatment program and attending Alcoholics Anonymous, the judge found that the applicant had not established a sufficient pattern of abstinence or rehabilitation. The denial was based on a long history of alcohol abuse, multiple incidents requiring medical intervention, a resumption of heavy drinking after a period of sobriety, and a last drinking incident occurring shortly before the hearing.
Why the applicant was denied
- The applicant had a long history of alcohol abuse, including multiple incidents requiring medical intervention.
- He resumed heavy drinking after a period of sobriety, indicating a lack of sustained recovery.
- The applicant's last drinking incident occurred shortly before the hearing, raising concerns about his reliability and trustworthiness.
Conditions referenced
- AG ¶ 22(a)raisedAlcohol-related Incidents Away From Work
- AG ¶ 22(b)raisedAlcohol-related Incidents at Work
- AG ¶ 22(c)raisedHabitual or Binge Consumption of Alcohol
- AG ¶ 22(d)raisedDiagnosis of Alcohol Abuse or Dependence
- AG ¶ 22(f)raisedRelapse After Diagnosis of Alcohol Abuse or Dependence
- AG ¶ 23(c)appliedCurrent Employee Participating in a Counseling or Treatment Program
Key rule quoted
“Eligibility for a security clearance is predicated upon the applicant meeting the criteria contained in the revised adjudicative guidelines (AG).”
Procedural posture
- SOR issuedApr 28, 2008
- Answer filedMay 19, 2008
- Hearing heldAug 27, 2008
- Decision dateSep 19, 2008
Cite for
- Denial Based on Recent Alcohol-related Incidents
- Failure to Establish a Pattern of Abstinence
- Consideration of the Whole Person Concept in Security Clearance Determinations