Summary
A 47-year-old Lead Electronic Technician was denied a Secret level security clearance due to a long history of drug involvement, specifically heroin addiction and illegal drug use, under Guideline H. The applicant admitted to abusing heroin, at times daily, from approximately 1966 to at least 1994, with her addiction escalating to a point where she spent about $200.00 a day by 1974, engaging in prostitution to support her habit. She also used cocaine in 1966 and for a three-month period in 1988. The applicant was arrested on ten separate occasions for drug-related offenses and experienced three major setbacks in her attempts to overcome her heroin habit.
Despite these issues, the applicant demonstrated efforts toward rehabilitation. She entered multiple Methadone Maintenance Treatment Programs, has not used heroin since November 1994, and intends to remain on methadone medication and in treatment indefinitely. She has participated in methadone maintenance treatment for almost three years without illicit drug use and received positive letters of reference from supervisors and coworkers regarding her work ethic and reliability. Her cocaine use has not been repeated since 1988.
However, the judge found that the applicant had not sufficiently mitigated the security concerns. The denial was based on her extensive 28-year history of heroin addiction, with her most recent relapse occurring less than three years prior to the decision in November 1994. The judge was not convinced that the applicant had definitively overcome her addiction, indicating a need for additional time in rehabilitation.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant has a long history of heroin addiction spanning over 28 years.
- The applicant's most recent relapse occurred in November 1994, less than three years prior to the decision.
- The judge was not convinced that the applicant had definitively overcome her addiction, citing the need for additional time in rehabilitation.
Conditions Referenced
- H1raisedDrug Involvement
- H2raisedIllegal Drug Possession
- H3rejectedDemonstrated Intent Not to Use Illegal Drugs in the FutureThe applicant's recent attempts at rehabilitation were insufficient to mitigate the security concerns.
Key Rule Quoted
“The Government must be able to place a high degree of confidence in a security clearance holder to abide by all security rules and regulations at all times and in all places.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedOct 15, 1996
- Answer filedNov 11, 1996
- Hearing heldFeb 25, 1997
- Decision dateAug 28, 1997
Cite For
- Long History of Drug Involvement Under Guideline H
- Insufficient Rehabilitation Efforts to Mitigate Security Concerns
- High Burden of Proof Required for Security Clearance Applicants with Drug Abuse History