Summary
A 51-year-old federal contractor was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline G (Alcohol Consumption) and Guideline H (Drug Involvement). The applicant had a long history of substance abuse, including cocaine and crack cocaine use from 1977 to 2005, and marijuana use from 1971 to 2002. He also used various other illegal or misused prescription drugs between 2000 and 2002. In 2002, he was diagnosed with polysubstance dependency, which included crack and alcohol. His drug use led to his termination from an engineering job in 2001 and an arrest for cannabis and paraphernalia possession, resulting in 12 months of probation. He experienced two accidental drug overdoses in 2004 and used cocaine again in 2005 after treatment.
Regarding alcohol, the applicant reported drinking from 1968 to March 2008, sometimes to excess, and had two drunk driving charges in 1975 and 1981. He received alcohol treatment in 1992 and 1993, and further treatment for polysubstance dependency in 2004-2005. Despite his history, he continued to drink alcohol, albeit rarely, and stated he never had a problem with it. He reported stopping all drug use in September 2005 through abstinence and Narcotics Anonymous.
The denial was based on the applicant's extensive history of drug abuse, including continued substance use after a 2002 polysubstance dependency diagnosis, job loss due to drug-related issues, and a criminal record. His history of excessive alcohol consumption, including two DUI charges, further raised questions about his reliability and trustworthiness, with insufficient evidence presented to mitigate these concerns.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- Applicant has a long history of drug abuse, including cocaine and marijuana, spanning decades.
- He was diagnosed with polysubstance dependency in 2002 and continued substance use thereafter.
- Applicant lost his job due to drug-related issues and has a criminal record related to drug possession.
- He has a history of excessive alcohol consumption, including two DUI charges.
Conditions Referenced
- H.1raisedDrug Involvement
- G.1raisedAlcohol Consumption
- H.2rejectedSuccessful Completion of Drug TreatmentInsufficient evidence due to the length and frequency of drug abuse.
- G.2rejectedAlcohol Consumption in ModerationApplicant continues to drink alcohol despite a history of problems.
Key Rule Quoted
“"No one has a right to a security clearance."”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedFeb 20, 2009
- Answer filedFeb 25, 2009Applicant did not request a hearing.
- Hearing held—Decided based on written record.
- Decision dateJun 29, 2009
Cite For
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Long-term Substance Abuse History
- Insufficient Evidence to Mitigate Security Concerns Under Guideline G and H
- Consideration of the Whole-person Concept in Security Clearance Decisions