Summary
A 51-year-old defense contractor employee was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guidelines G (Alcohol Consumption), H (Drug Involvement), and I (Psychological Conditions). The denial stemmed from a long history of alcohol and prescription drug abuse, specifically amphetamines and Adderall, often used inconsistently with medical advice, including an incident in June 2014 while in therapy.
The applicant also had co-occurring psychiatric issues, with diagnoses between 2001 and 2014 including major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, adjustment disorder, and bipolar disorder. A history of non-adherence to prescribed medication regimens was noted.
Despite the applicant's claims of current stability and adherence to treatment, the judge found that her extensive history of substance abuse, repeated relapses, and ongoing, interrelated psychiatric conditions raised significant doubts about her reliability and trustworthiness, leading to the denial of her security clearance.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant has a long history of alcohol and prescription drug abuse, including incidents of drinking at work and noncompliance with treatment.
- Despite claims of current sobriety, the applicant's past behavior and repeated relapses raised serious security concerns about her reliability and trustworthiness.
- The applicant's psychiatric conditions have been ongoing and interrelated with her substance abuse, further complicating her recovery efforts.
Conditions Referenced
- G ¶ 21raisedAlcohol Consumption
- G ¶ 22(a)appliedAlcohol-related Incidents Away From Work
- G ¶ 22(b)appliedAlcohol-related Incidents at Work
- G ¶ 22(c)appliedHabitual or Binge Consumption of Alcohol
- H ¶ 24raisedDrug Involvement
- H ¶ 25(a)appliedAny Drug Abuse
- H ¶ 25(d)appliedDiagnosis of Drug Abuse or Dependence
- I ¶ 27raisedPsychological Conditions
- I ¶ 28(a)appliedBehavior Casting Doubt on Judgment
- I ¶ 28(c)appliedFailure to Follow Treatment Advice
- G ¶ 23(a)rejectedTime Passed or Infrequent Behavior
- G ¶ 23(b)rejectedAcknowledgment of Alcoholism and Actions Taken
- G ¶ 23(c)rejectedCurrent Employee Participating in Treatment
- G ¶ 23(d)rejectedSuccessful Completion of Treatment
- H ¶ 26(a)rejectedBehavior Unlikely to Recur
- H ¶ 26(b)rejectedDemonstrated Intent Not to Abuse Drugs
- H ¶ 26(c)rejectedAbuse After Severe Illness
- H ¶ 26(d)rejectedSatisfactory Completion of Drug Treatment
- I ¶ 29(a)rejectedCondition Controllable with Treatment
- I ¶ 29(b)rejectedVoluntary Entry Into Treatment
- I ¶ 29(d)rejectedPast Instability Was Temporary
- I ¶ 29(e)rejectedNo Current Problem Indicated
Key Rule Quoted
“A security clearance decision is intended only to resolve whether it is clearly consistent with the national interest for an applicant to either receive or continue to have access to classified information.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedMay 20, 2015
- Answer filedJun 3, 2015
- Hearing held—Applicant requested a decision without a hearing.
- Decision dateJan 5, 2016
Cite For
- Denial Based on Long-term Substance Abuse and Psychiatric Issues
- Impact of Noncompliance with Treatment on Security Clearance
- Consideration of Personal Circumstances in Security Clearance Decisions