Summary
A 49-year-old program manager's security clearance was denied under Guideline G (Alcohol Consumption) due to a history of alcohol abuse and insufficient evidence of rehabilitation. The applicant had multiple Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) arrests, including one in December 1994, resulting in a guilty plea, probation, and a fine. Another DWI charge in April 2002 led to a 26-week alcohol treatment program, including Alcoholics Anonymous and Mothers Against Drunk Driving meetings, a weekend in jail, and a year of supervised probation.
The applicant also participated in an eight-week substance abuse program from December 1994 to March 1995 and a five-month outpatient alcohol treatment program in June 1999. Despite a 1996 diagnosis of congestive heart failure and a cardiologist's advice to abstain from alcohol, the applicant continued to drink. Currently, the applicant is under a physician's care for alcohol dependency and receives daily Antabuse.
The denial was based on the applicant's recent relapse and ongoing dependence on alcohol, which indicated a persistent pattern of behavior despite prior treatment efforts. The adjudicator found that the applicant's history of alcohol abuse and dependence was not sufficiently mitigated by the evidence of rehabilitation presented.
Why the applicant was denied
- The applicant's history of alcohol abuse and dependence was not sufficiently mitigated by evidence of rehabilitation.
- The applicant's recent relapse into alcohol consumption and subsequent arrest for Driving While Intoxicated indicated a pattern of behavior that raised security concerns.
- The applicant's dependence on alcohol persisted despite previous treatment efforts.
Conditions referenced
- E2.A7.1.2.1raisedAlcohol Consumption Resulting in a Criminal Charge
- E2.A7.1.2.3raisedDiagnosis of Alcohol Dependence
- E2.A7.1.2.5raisedExcessive Alcohol Consumption
- E2.A7.1.2.6raisedRecent Alcohol-related Incidents
- E2.A7.1.3.1rejectedNo Pattern of Alcohol-related IncidentsThe applicant's recent arrest for Driving While Intoxicated indicated a pattern of behavior.
- E2.A7.1.3.2rejectedAlcohol-related Problems Occurred Years AgoThe applicant's most recent alcohol-related incident occurred in 2002.
- E2.A7.1.3.3appliedPositive Changes in Behavior Supportive of SobrietyThe applicant demonstrated a desire to live an alcohol-free life and took steps towards sobriety.
- E2.A7.1.3.4rejectedSuccessful Completion of Rehabilitation and Favorable PrognosisThe applicant's ongoing dependence on alcohol and lack of a clear prognosis for cessation of treatment were concerning.
Key rule quoted
“"[N]o one has a 'right' to a security clearance."”
Procedural posture
- SOR issuedApr 28, 2003
- Answer filedAug 11, 2003
- Hearing heldOct 16, 2003
- Decision dateMar 31, 2004
Cite for
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Ongoing Alcohol Dependence
- Pattern of Alcohol-related Incidents Impacting Security Suitability
- Insufficient Evidence of Rehabilitation After Multiple Treatment Attempts