Summary
A 50-year-old senior engineering technician was granted a security clearance despite concerns under Guideline G (Alcohol Consumption) and Guideline H (Drug Involvement). The Statement of Reasons detailed a history of alcohol consumption, including excessive use and occasional blackouts from 1970 until at least January 2003, and a 1980 DUI conviction. He was diagnosed with alcohol dependence between December 2001 and November 2002 but continued to consume alcohol afterward.
Regarding drug involvement, the applicant used and purchased marijuana between 1974 and 1983, and again from January 2002 to April 2002, with the latter period occurring while he held a security clearance. He was also treated for and diagnosed with cannabis abuse between December 2001 and November 2002, continuing marijuana use after this diagnosis.
The judge found that the applicant successfully mitigated these concerns. Key factors included his sobriety from both drugs and alcohol since September 2004, his active and consistent participation in Alcoholics Anonymous, and positive behavioral changes observed by his family and AA sponsor. These efforts demonstrated a commitment to recovery, leading to the granting of his security clearance.
Why the applicant prevailed
- The applicant has been drug and alcohol free since September 2004.
- He actively participates in Alcoholics Anonymous, demonstrating commitment to recovery.
- Positive changes in behavior were noted by family and his AA sponsor.
Conditions referenced
- DC 1raisedAlcohol-related Incidents Away From Work, Such as Driving While Under the Influence, Fighting, Child or Spouse Abuse, or Other Criminal Incidents Related to Alcohol Use;
- DC 4raisedEvaluation of Alcohol Abuse or Alcohol Dependence by a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Who Is a Staff Member of a Recognized Alcohol Treatment Program;
- DC 5raisedHabitual or Binge Consumption of Alcohol to the Point of Impaired Judgment;
- DC 1raisedAny Drug Abuse;
- DC 2raisedIllegal Drug Possession, Including Cultivation, Processing, Manufacture, Purchase, Sale, or Distribution;
- DC 3raisedDiagnosis by a Credentialed Medical Professional (e.g., Physician, Clinical Psychologist, or Psychiatrist) of Drug Abuse or Drug Dependence;
- MC 3appliedPositive Changes in Behavior Supportive of Sobriety;
- MC 4appliedFollowing Diagnosis of Alcohol Abuse or Alcohol Dependence, the Individual Has Successfully Completed Inpatient or Outpatient Rehabilitation Along with Aftercare Requirements, Participates Frequently in Meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous or a Similar Organization, Has Abstained From Alcohol for a Period of at Least 12 Months, and Received a Favorable Prognosis by a Credentialed Medical Professional or Licensed Clinical Social Worker Who Is a Staff Member of a Recognized Alcohol Treatment Program.
- MC 1appliedThe Drug Involvement Was Not Recent;
Key rule quoted
“A security clearance decision is intended 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 issuedSep 23, 2004
- Answer filed—
- Hearing heldAug 17, 2005
- Decision dateNov 30, 2005
Cite for
- Mitigation of Alcohol Dependence Under Guideline G
- Mitigation of Illegal Drug Use Under Guideline H
- Importance of Active Participation in Recovery Programs Like AA for Security Clearance Cases.