Summary
A 26-year-old licensing analyst for a Department of Defense contractor was denied a security clearance under Guideline G (Alcohol Consumption) and Guideline H (Drug Involvement). The denial stemmed from a long history of substance abuse, including daily marijuana use, multiple instances of illegal drug use, and alcohol-related incidents that led to domestic violence charges.
Specific allegations included operating a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol on two occasions in 2009, and habitual or binge alcohol consumption leading to impaired judgment. The applicant also admitted to using marijuana approximately 1000 times, including daily use, from 1998 to July 2008, and hallucinogenic mushrooms on multiple occasions between 1999 and 2008.
The denial was based on the applicant's extensive history of illegal drug use, which included marijuana, cocaine, and ecstasy over a ten-year period. A key factor was that the applicant's last illegal drug use occurred after applying for the security clearance, indicating insufficient commitment to abstinence. Additionally, the applicant's alcohol consumption resulted in multiple arrests for domestic violence, demonstrating impaired judgment and reliability. Despite some rehabilitation efforts, the judge found insufficient evidence to mitigate these security concerns, particularly given the recent substance abuse and lack of ongoing counseling.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant had a long history of illegal drug use, including marijuana, cocaine, and ecstasy, spanning over ten years.
- The applicant's last use of illegal drugs occurred after applying for a security clearance, indicating a lack of commitment to abstain from drug use.
- The applicant's alcohol consumption led to multiple arrests for domestic violence, demonstrating impaired judgment and reliability.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 25(a)appliedAny Drug Abuse
- AG ¶ 25(b)appliedTesting Positive for Illegal Drug Use
- AG ¶ 22(a)appliedAlcohol-related Incidents Away From Work
- AG ¶ 22(c)appliedHabitual or Binge Consumption
- AG ¶ 26(b)rejectedDemonstrated Intent Not to Abuse Drugs in the FutureWhile the applicant expressed intent to abstain from drugs, her history of relapse undermined the credibility of this intent.
- AG ¶ 23(b)rejectedAcknowledgment of Alcoholism and Actions Taken to Overcome ItThe applicant's lack of ongoing counseling and her history of alcohol-related incidents indicated insufficient evidence of rehabilitation.
Key Rule Quoted
“The protection of the national security is the paramount consideration.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedOct 29, 2009
- Answer filedNov 10, 2009
- Hearing heldMar 23, 2010
- Decision dateJun 2, 2010
Cite For
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Long-term Substance Abuse History
- Impact of Alcohol-related Incidents on Security Clearance Eligibility
- Insufficient Evidence of Rehabilitation in Substance Abuse Cases