Summary
This case concerns a 50-year-old software engineer whose security clearance was DENIED under Guideline G (Alcohol Consumption). The applicant's history included a 2002 DUI arrest and another alcohol-related arrest in 2006, followed by relapse prevention treatment. In November 2008, he was inebriated at work. Licensed professionals at multiple treatment clinics consistently evaluated him as alcohol dependent.
The applicant experienced relapses into regular alcohol consumption in early 2006, shortly after completing his first rehabilitation program, and again within months of completing a second program, admitting to consuming alcohol over the New Year 2008 holiday. Disqualifying conditions cited included AG ¶ 22(a), AG ¶ 22(e), and AG ¶ 22(f). While mitigating conditions AG ¶ 23(a), AG ¶ 23(b), AG ¶ 23(c), and AG ¶ 23(d) were considered, the judge found them insufficient.
The denial was based on the applicant's history of multiple alcohol-related incidents and relapses shortly after completing treatment, indicating persistent alcohol dependence. The judge concluded that insufficient time had passed since his last treatment to establish a reliable pattern of abstinence, thus failing to mitigate the security concerns.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant has a history of multiple alcohol-related incidents, including a DUI and disorderly conduct.
- He relapsed into alcohol consumption shortly after completing treatment programs, indicating ongoing issues with alcohol dependence.
- Insufficient time has passed since his last treatment to establish a reliable pattern of abstinence.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 22(a)raisedAlcohol-related Incidents Away From Work
- AG ¶ 22(e)raisedEvaluation of Alcohol Abuse or Dependence by a Licensed Clinical Social Worker
- AG ¶ 22(f)raisedRelapse After Diagnosis of Alcohol Abuse or Dependence
- AG ¶ 23(a)rejectedTime Passed or Infrequent Behavior Unlikely to RecurApplicant's multiple alcohol-related incidents preclude a finding that the behavior was infrequent.
- AG ¶ 23(b)rejectedAcknowledgment of Alcoholism and Pattern of AbstinenceInsufficient time has passed to establish a pattern of abstinence sufficient to overcome concerns.
- AG ¶ 23(c)rejectedParticipation in Counseling or Treatment ProgramInsufficient evidence to support mitigation due to history of relapses.
- AG ¶ 23(d)rejectedSuccessful Completion of Counseling or RehabilitationInsufficient time has passed since the last treatment to establish a reliable pattern of abstinence.
Key Rule Quoted
“Any doubt concerning personnel being considered for access to classified information will be resolved in favor of the national security.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedJun 2, 2009
- Answer filedJun 18, 2009
- Hearing heldAug 25, 2009
- Decision dateNov 27, 2009
Cite For
- Evaluation of Alcohol-related Incidents Under Guideline G
- Impact of Relapse on Security Clearance Eligibility
- Importance of Time Elapsed Since Treatment in Assessing Alcohol Dependence Mitigation