Summary
A 47-year-old senior computer scientist was denied a security clearance under Guideline G (Alcohol Consumption) due to a history of alcohol dependence and poor judgment. The Statement of Reasons detailed two DUI arrests in 1978 and a diagnosis of alcohol dependence in October 1995. Although the applicant completed outpatient treatment in 1995, he resumed drinking in 1996 and stopped attending aftercare and Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) that same year. Further incidents included excessive alcohol consumption at a work-related event in September 1995 and drinking before entering his workplace in February 2001.
The decision highlighted that the applicant had not demonstrated a significant period of abstinence from alcohol. While the applicant resumed AA participation and ceased drinking after receiving the Statement of Reasons, these actions were not considered sufficient mitigation. The adjudicator viewed these efforts as motivated by the security clearance process rather than a genuine, long-term commitment to sobriety.
Ultimately, the denial was based on the applicant's pattern of resuming alcohol consumption after treatment, the lack of a sustained period of sobriety, and insufficient evidence of external support for his sobriety efforts.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant resumed drinking after completing treatment and did not demonstrate a significant period of sobriety.
- The applicant's participation in AA and cessation of drinking were viewed as motivated by the receipt of the SOR rather than a genuine commitment to sobriety.
- There was insufficient evidence of external support for the applicant's sobriety efforts.
Conditions Referenced
- E2.A7.1.2.1raisedAlcohol-related Incidents Away From Work, Such as Driving While Under the Influence of Alcohol.
- E2.A7.1.2.4raisedEvaluation of Alcohol Abuse or Alcohol Dependence by a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Who Is a Staff Member of a Recognized Alcohol Treatment Program.
- E2.A7.1.2.6rejectedConsumption of Alcohol, Subsequent to a Diagnosis of Alcoholism by a Credentialed Medical Professional and Following Completion of an Alcohol Rehabilitation Program.The diagnosis was rendered by a counselor and not a credentialed medical professional.
- E2.A7.1.3.2rejectedThe Problem Occurred a Number of Years Ago and There Is No Indication of a Recent Problem.Insufficient evidence of significant abstinence.
- E2.A7.1.3.3rejectedPositive Changes in Behavior Supportive of Sobriety.Lack of evidence of an external support network.
- E2.A7.1.3.4rejectedFollowing 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 AA or 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.No credible evidence of 12 months of abstinence and the prognosis lacked foundation.
Key Rule Quoted
“Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to questionable judgment and failure to control impulses while increasing the risk of security violations due to carelessness.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedJan 26, 2005
- Answer filedFeb 8, 2005
- Hearing heldMay 4, 2005
- Decision dateDec 19, 2005
Cite For
- Denial of Clearance Due to Insufficient Evidence of Sobriety Under Guideline G
- Impact of Past Alcohol-related Incidents on Security Clearance Decisions
- Importance of Demonstrating Long-term Commitment to Sobriety for Clearance Eligibility.