Summary
A 37-year-old woman, employed by defense contractors, was denied a security clearance under Guideline G (Alcohol Consumption) and Guideline H (Drug Involvement). The denial stemmed from a history of substance abuse and a failure to adhere to aftercare recommendations following treatment.
The Statement of Reasons included allegations of alcohol-related incidents away from work, such as driving under the influence, and at work, including reporting for duty while impaired. It also cited habitual or binge consumption leading to impaired judgment, and a diagnosis of alcohol abuse or dependence by a qualified medical professional. Disqualifying conditions 22(a), 22(b), 22(c), 22(d), 25(a), and 25(d) were raised, while mitigating conditions 23(a), 23(b), 23(d), 26(a), 26(b), and 26(d) were applied.
The denial was based on the applicant's failure to follow aftercare recommendations post-inpatient treatment for alcohol and drug dependence. Furthermore, she minimized her history of alcohol abuse, questioned her diagnosis of alcohol dependence, and did not establish a support system to maintain sobriety, which increased the risk of relapse.
Why the applicant was denied
- Applicant underwent inpatient treatment for alcohol and drug dependence but failed to follow aftercare recommendations.
- Applicant minimized her history of alcohol abuse and questioned her diagnosis of alcohol dependence.
- Applicant did not establish a support system to maintain sobriety, increasing the risk of relapse.
Conditions referenced
- DC 22(a)raisedAlcohol-related Incidents Away From Work
- DC 22(b)raisedAlcohol-related Incidents at Work
- DC 22(c)raisedHabitual or Binge Consumption of Alcohol
- DC 22(d)raisedDiagnosis of Alcohol Abuse or Dependence
- DC 25(a)raisedAny Drug Abuse
- DC 25(d)raisedDiagnosis of Drug Abuse or Dependence
- MC 23(a)rejectedTime Passed or Infrequent Behavior Unlikely to Recur
- MC 23(b)rejectedAcknowledgment of Alcoholism and Evidence of Actions Taken
- MC 23(d)rejectedSuccessful Completion of Treatment and Aftercare
- MC 26(a)rejectedBehavior Happened Long Ago or Unlikely to Recur
- MC 26(b)rejectedDemonstrated Intent Not to Abuse Drugs in the Future
- MC 26(d)rejectedCompletion of Drug Treatment Program and Favorable Prognosis
Key rule quoted
“The sole purpose of a security clearance decision is to decide if it is clearly consistent with the national interest to grant or continue a security clearance for an applicant.”
Procedural posture
- SOR issuedApr 4, 2012
- Answer filedApr 26, 2012Applicant admitted all allegations.
- Hearing heldAug 21, 2012
- Decision dateSep 17, 2012
Cite for
- Failure to Follow Aftercare Recommendations Post-treatment Under Guideline G
- Minimization of Substance Abuse History Impacting Reliability Under Guideline G
- Lack of Established Support System for Sobriety Under Guideline H