Summary
A 36-year-old male applicant was denied a security clearance under Guideline G (Alcohol Consumption) due to a pattern of excessive alcohol use and a diagnosis of alcohol dependence. The Statement of Reasons cited a history of alcohol-related incidents, including public intoxication and driving under the influence. Disqualifying conditions under Guideline G included a pattern of alcohol-related incidents, a diagnosis of alcohol abuse or dependence, and continued alcohol consumption after diagnosis.
While the applicant presented some evidence of positive character and work performance, and mitigating conditions such as a period of abstinence or successful rehabilitation were considered, these were ultimately insufficient. The applicant admitted to multiple public intoxication charges and an alcohol dependence diagnosis.
Crucially, the applicant failed to complete an alcohol rehabilitation program and continued to consume alcohol after his diagnosis. Consequently, he did not provide sufficient evidence to establish a clear and sustained pattern of abstinence or responsible alcohol use, leading to the denial of his security clearance.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant admitted to a pattern of alcohol-related incidents, including multiple public intoxication charges and a diagnosis of alcohol dependence.
- The applicant failed to complete an alcohol rehabilitation program and continued to consume alcohol after his diagnosis.
- The applicant did not provide sufficient evidence to demonstrate a clear and established pattern of abstinence or responsible use of alcohol.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 22(a)raisedAlcohol-related Incidents Away From 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(a)rejectedTime Passed or Infrequent Behavior Unlikely to RecurThe passage of time since the last incident does not mitigate the applicant's history of alcohol-related conduct.
- AG ¶ 23(b)rejectedAcknowledgment of Alcoholism and Evidence of Actions TakenThe applicant's rejection of his alcohol dependence diagnosis undermines his claim of acknowledgment.
- AG ¶ 23(d)rejectedSuccessful Completion of Treatment and Established Pattern of AbstinenceThe applicant failed to complete treatment and did not demonstrate a pattern of abstinence.
Key Rule Quoted
“Excessive alcohol consumption often leads to the exercise of questionable judgment or the failure to control impulses, and can raise questions about an individual’s reliability and trustworthiness.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedJan 21, 2011
- Answer filedFeb 24, 2011
- Hearing heldJul 19, 2011
- Decision dateOct 13, 2011
Cite For
- Pattern of Alcohol-related Incidents Under Guideline G
- Failure to Mitigate Alcohol Dependence Diagnosis
- Impact of Alcohol Consumption on Reliability and Trustworthiness