Summary
A 46-year-old heavy equipment repair mechanic was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline G (Alcohol Consumption) and Guideline H (Drug Involvement), stemming from a history of substance abuse. While the applicant had been abstinent from illegal drugs since 1984 and only procured marijuana for his spouse's medicinal use, his alcohol consumption history presented significant issues.
The Statement of Reasons detailed a pattern of excessive alcohol consumption from approximately 1971 to at least late February 2002, including daily consumption before work and up to a case of beer and a fifth of liquor per day. This history included drunk driving offenses in December 1981, December 1983, April 1984, and May 2001, and treatment for alcoholism in 1984. Although the applicant claimed abstinence from alcohol since late February 2002 and no work performance issues since then, these claims were insufficient to mitigate the concerns.
The denial was based on the applicant's relapse into abusive drinking in 2001 after 17 years of sobriety, which raised doubts about his reliability and judgment. His multiple alcohol-related incidents, including the OUI offenses, demonstrated a problematic behavioral pattern. Furthermore, his lack of active participation in support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous after his 1984 treatment was seen as a lack of commitment to long-term sobriety.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant relapsed into abusive drinking after 17 years of sobriety, which raised concerns about his reliability and judgment.
- The applicant's history of alcohol-related incidents, including multiple OUI offenses, demonstrated a pattern of problematic behavior.
- The applicant did not actively participate in Alcoholics Anonymous or similar support groups after his treatment, which was viewed as a lack of commitment to maintaining sobriety.
Conditions Referenced
- E2.A7.1.2.1raisedAlcohol-related Incidents Away From Work
- E2.A7.1.2.4raisedEvaluation of Alcohol Abuse or Alcohol Dependence
- E2.A7.1.2.5raisedHabitual or Binge Consumption of Alcohol
- E2.A8.1.2.1raisedAny Drug Abuse
- E2.A8.1.2.2raisedIllegal Drug Possession
- E2.A8.1.2.4raisedEvaluation of Drug Abuse or Drug Dependence
- E2.A7.1.3.4rejectedSuccessful Completion of RehabilitationThe applicant's prognosis was not supported by a contemporaneous discharge summary, and he was not actively participating in AA.
- E2.A8.1.3.1appliedNo Illegal Drug Use for a Significant Period
Key Rule Quoted
“"[N]o one has a 'right' to a security clearance."”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedNov 30, 2004
- Answer filedDec 13, 2004
- Hearing heldJun 1, 2005
- Decision dateNov 23, 2005
Cite For
- Denial of Clearance Due to History of Alcohol Abuse and Relapse
- Impact of Alcohol-related Incidents on Security Clearance Eligibility
- Insufficient Evidence of Long-term Sobriety and Support Network for Recovery