Summary
A 49-year-old government contractor was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guidelines E (Personal Conduct), G (Alcohol Consumption), and H (Drug Involvement). The denial stemmed from the applicant's admitted history of substance abuse, including multiple DUIs and a pattern of cocaine use, some of which occurred while holding a security clearance.
Specific allegations included the applicant's failure to report marijuana use between 1979 and 1985, and cocaine use from 2000 through 2008. The applicant's omission of cocaine use on security clearance forms was deemed deliberate. Furthermore, the applicant was diagnosed with alcohol and cocaine dependence, attended an alcohol treatment program, but discontinued aftercare services, negatively impacting his prognosis. He also enrolled in a detoxification program for excessive alcohol use and had two DUI charges in 1983 and 1985, both resulting in fines and license suspensions.
The denial was based on the applicant's admitted long history of alcohol and drug abuse, including cocaine use while holding a security clearance. The judge found that the applicant was discharged from an alcohol treatment program for non-cooperation and failed to comply with aftercare, leading to a guarded prognosis. Ultimately, the applicant did not establish a pattern of abstinence or demonstrate satisfactory progress toward sobriety, leading to concerns about his reliability and trustworthiness.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant admitted to a long history of alcohol and drug abuse, including multiple DUIs and cocaine use while holding a security clearance.
- The applicant was discharged from an alcohol treatment program for non-cooperation and failed to comply with aftercare recommendations, resulting in a guarded prognosis from his therapist.
- The applicant did not establish a pattern of abstinence or demonstrate satisfactory progress toward sobriety.
Conditions Referenced
- G22(a)appliedAlcohol-related Incidents Away From Work
- G22(b)appliedAlcohol-related Incidents at Work
- G22(c)appliedHabitual or Binge Consumption of Alcohol
- H24(a)appliedUse of an Illegal Drug or Misuse of a Prescription Drug
- E2(a)appliedDeliberate Omission of Information
Key Rule Quoted
“The protection of the national security is the paramount consideration.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedJun 20, 2012
- Answer filedJul 28, 2012Applicant declined a hearing.
- Hearing held—Decision made on the written record.
- Decision dateMar 30, 2013
Cite For
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to History of Substance Abuse Under Guideline G
- Failure to Demonstrate Rehabilitation Under Guideline H
- Deliberate Omissions in Security Clearance Applications Under Guideline E