Summary
A 50-year-old first-class sheet metal mechanic was denied a security clearance under Guideline G (Alcohol Consumption) due to a history of alcohol abuse. The Statement of Reasons cited multiple alcohol-related incidents away from work, including driving under the influence and domestic violence, as well as a diagnosis of alcohol dependence. Further allegations included habitual or binge consumption leading to impaired judgment, and consumption of alcohol after a professional diagnosis and rehabilitation.
Disqualifying conditions raised included alcohol-related incidents, a diagnosis of alcohol abuse or dependence, and habitual consumption. While the applicant attended Alcoholics Anonymous and expressed a commitment to abstinence, the judge found that the applicant's alcohol issues were not sufficiently resolved.
Specific concerns contributing to the denial included the applicant's premature departure from treatment, continued use of alcohol in cooking, and lack of an AA sponsor. Despite mitigating conditions being applied, the judge concluded it was too soon to determine that the applicant's alcohol problems were resolved, leading to the denial of the security clearance.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant has a history of alcohol-related incidents, including multiple DUIs and domestic violence.
- He was diagnosed with alcohol dependence and left treatment prematurely.
- The applicant's continued use of alcohol in cooking and lack of a sponsor in AA raised concerns about his commitment to sobriety.
Conditions Referenced
- E2.A7.1.2.1raisedAlcohol-related Incidents Away From Work
- E2.A7.1.2.2raisedAlcohol-related Incidents at Work
- E2.A7.1.2.3raisedDiagnosis by a Credentialed Medical Professional of Alcohol Dependence
- E2.A7.1.2.5raisedHabitual or Binge Consumption of Alcohol to the Point of Impaired Judgment
- E2.A7.1.2.6raisedConsumption of Alcohol Subsequent to a Diagnosis of Alcoholism
- E2.A7.1.3.3rejectedPositive Changes in Behavior Supportive of SobrietyWhile the applicant attended AA and resolved to stop drinking, these changes were not sufficient to mitigate the security concerns.
- E2.A7.1.3.4rejectedSuccessful Completion of Rehabilitation and Favorable PrognosisThe applicant did not meet the requirement of abstaining from alcohol for at least 12 months and did not have a favorable prognosis from a credentialed professional.
Key Rule Quoted
“The Directive has more stringent requirements when an individual has been diagnosed as alcohol dependent: successful completion of inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation along with aftercare requirements, frequent participation in meetings of AA or similar organization, abstention from alcohol for at least 12 months, and a favorable prognosis by a credentialed medical professional or licensed clinical social worker who is a staff member of a recognized alcohol treatment program.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedJul 17, 2003
- Answer filedJul 30, 2003
- Hearing heldOct 2, 2003Hearing continued at the request of Department Counsel.
- Decision dateMar 18, 2004
Cite For
- Denial of Clearance Due to Unresolved Alcohol Dependency Issues
- Impact of Alcohol-related Incidents on Security Clearance Eligibility
- Requirements for Mitigating Conditions Under Guideline G.