Summary
A 26-year-old engineer with a Bachelor’s degree was evaluated for a security clearance under Guideline H (Drug Involvement) due to past illegal drug use during his college years. The Statement of Reasons detailed several instances of drug use.
Specifically, the applicant used marijuana once or twice each summer from August 2001 until May 2008, with his last use occurring during his college graduation. He also used cocaine several times between June 2006 and May 2008, primarily at social events to fit in, and on one occasion purchased it from a coworker. Additionally, he used LSD and ecstasy once each on New Year's Eve 2007, while under the influence of other substances. The applicant also abused prescription drugs on three occasions: Percocet in 2001 for a sprained ankle, Vicodin in 2001 while partying, and Xanax in 2008 to aid sleep.
Despite these disqualifying conditions, the applicant demonstrated significant personal growth and a commitment to abstinence. He had not used illegal drugs for over fourteen months and provided a signed statement of intent to refrain from future use, with an understanding of automatic clearance revocation for any violation. Numerous letters of recommendation attested to his integrity and responsible nature. Consequently, his security clearance was GRANTED.
Why the applicant prevailed
- The applicant has not used illegal drugs for over fourteen months and has no intention of using them again.
- He provided a signed statement of intent to refrain from illegal drug use, with automatic revocation of clearance for any violation.
- The applicant presented numerous letters of recommendation attesting to his integrity and responsible nature.
Conditions referenced
- 25(a)raisedAny Drug Abuse
- 25(c)raisedIllegal Drug Possession, Including Cultivation, Processing, Manufacture, Purchase, Sale, or Distribution; or Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- 26(b)appliedA Demonstrated Intent Not to Abuse Any Drugs in the Future, Such As:
- 26(b)(1)appliedDisassociation From Drug-using Associates and Contacts
- 26(b)(3)appliedAn Appropriate Period of Abstinence
- 26(b)(4)appliedA Signed Statement of Intent with Automatic Revocation of Clearance for Any Violation
Key rule quoted
“The adjudicative process is an examination of a sufficient period of a person’s life to make an affirmative determination that the person is an acceptable security risk.”
Procedural posture
- SOR issuedMar 11, 2009
- Answer filedApr 23, 2009
- Hearing heldJul 14, 2009record remained open until July 28, 2009
- Decision dateSep 22, 2009
Cite for
- Demonstrated Intent Not to Abuse Drugs Under Guideline H
- Significant Personal Growth and Rehabilitation in Drug Involvement Cases
- Importance of Letters of Recommendation in Security Clearance Evaluations