Summary
A 45-year-old male applicant was denied a security clearance due to significant concerns under Guideline H (Drug Involvement) and Guideline G (Alcohol Consumption). The applicant had an extensive history of substance abuse, including habitual use of marijuana, hashish, cocaine, methamphetamines, and speed from the 1970s through the early 1990s. He also used LSD multiple times and heroin daily from 1989 to 1993, contracting Hepatitis C in 1983 from intravenous drug use. His drug-related legal issues included multiple charges and fines for marijuana possession between 1974 and 1980.
Regarding alcohol, the applicant consumed alcohol weekly to daily from 1973 to 1991, experiencing countless blackouts. He faced multiple driving while intoxicated charges in 1977, 1984, and 1987, with one resulting in a reckless driving conviction and fine. Despite a period of abstinence and prior drug abuse treatment from 1993 to 1994, his recent actions were critical.
In 2001, while holding an interim security clearance, the applicant purchased and used heroin, leading to an arrest, conviction, one year of probation, and a fine for possession. He also abused prescription cough syrup in January 2001 and was diagnosed with opiate dependence and abuse in May 2001, subsequently attending a drug treatment program. The denial was based on his recent drug use while holding an interim clearance, his long history of substance abuse, and the insufficiency of his rehabilitation claims given the recency of his drug involvement.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant's recent drug use occurred while holding an interim security clearance, raising serious questions about his reliability.
- The applicant has a long history of drug and alcohol abuse spanning nearly 30 years, indicating a pattern of behavior that is concerning for security clearance.
- The applicant's claims of rehabilitation were deemed insufficient given the recency of his drug involvement.
Conditions Referenced
- E2.A8.1.2.1raisedDrug Involvement
- E2.A8.1.2.2raisedDrug Involvement
- E2.A8.1.2.3appliedDrug Dependence
- E2.A8.1.2.4appliedDrug Abuse
- E2.A7.1.2.1raisedExcessive Alcohol Consumption
- E2.A7.1.2.5raisedAlcohol-related Behavior
- E2.A8.1.3.1rejectedRecent Drug InvolvementThe applicant's drug involvement was recent and did not meet the criteria for mitigation.
- E2.A8.1.3.2rejectedIsolated or Aberrational Drug UseThe applicant's drug use was not isolated and occurred over a long period.
- E2.A8.1.3.3rejectedEvidence of RehabilitationThe applicant's claims of rehabilitation were insufficient given the long history of substance abuse.
- E2.A8.1.3.4rejectedChange in CircumstancesThe applicant's recent behavior did not demonstrate a change in circumstances.
- E2.A7.1.3.1notedRecent Alcohol Consumption
- E2.A7.1.3.2appliedAlcohol-related Incidents Occurred a Long Time AgoThe applicant's alcohol-related incidents occurred many years ago.
- E2.A7.1.3.3appliedEvidence of Rehabilitation for Alcohol UseThe applicant has not consumed alcohol since 2001 and has participated in rehabilitation programs.
Key Rule Quoted
“"[N]o one has a 'right' to a security clearance."”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedMay 28, 2003
- Answer filedJun 26, 2003
- Hearing heldOct 6, 2003
- Decision dateMar 15, 2004
Cite For
- Recent Drug Use While Holding an Interim Security Clearance Under Guideline H
- Long History of Substance Abuse Impacting Security Clearance Eligibility
- Mitigating Conditions Related to Alcohol Consumption and Past Behavior