Summary
A 37-year-old defense contractor employee was denied a security clearance under Guideline G (Alcohol Consumption) due to a long history of alcohol abuse. The Statement of Reasons detailed multiple alcohol-related incidents, including arrests for driving under the influence, and a diagnosis of alcohol dependence by a credentialed medical professional. The applicant was also cited for habitual or binge consumption leading to impaired judgment, consuming alcohol after a diagnosis of alcoholism and rehabilitation, and a pattern of alcohol-related incidents both away from and at work.
Further allegations included a failure to maintain long-term sobriety after treatment and insufficient demonstrated commitment to sobriety or recovery. Disqualifying conditions G.1, G.2, G.3, G.4, and G.5 were raised, while mitigating condition G.3 was applied.
The denial was based on the applicant's extensive history of alcohol abuse, including multiple arrests and treatment failures. The applicant had been diagnosed as alcohol-dependent on two occasions and resumed alcohol consumption after completing rehabilitation programs, indicating a lack of sustained recovery. Despite claiming sobriety since October 1995 and attending Alcoholics Anonymous, the judge found insufficient evidence of sustained recovery and commitment to sobriety.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant has a long history of alcohol abuse, including multiple arrests and treatment failures.
- The applicant was diagnosed as alcohol-dependent by a credentialed medical professional on two occasions.
- The applicant resumed alcohol consumption after completing rehabilitation programs, indicating a lack of sustained recovery.
Conditions Referenced
- G.1raisedAlcohol-related Incidents Away From Work
- G.2raisedAlcohol-related Incidents at Work
- G.3raisedDiagnosis by a Credentialed Medical Professional of Alcohol Dependence
- G.4raisedHabitual or Binge Consumption of Alcohol to the Point of Impaired Judgment
- G.5raisedConsumption of Alcohol, Subsequent to a Diagnosis of Alcoholism by a Credentialed Medical Professional and Following Completion of an Alcohol Rehabilitation Program
- G.3rejectedPositive Changes in Behavior Supportive of SobrietyWhile the applicant demonstrated some positive changes, the evidence was insufficient to conclude that he had maintained sobriety.
Key Rule Quoted
“the clearly consistent standard indicates that security-clearance determinations should err, if they must, on the side of denials.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedOct 24, 1996
- Answer filedNov 12, 1996Applicant requested an administrative decision on the record.
- Hearing held—Applicant did not respond to the Government's FORM.
- Decision dateApr 29, 1997
Cite For
- Long History of Alcohol Abuse Leading to Denial Under Guideline G
- Insufficient Evidence of Sustained Recovery From Alcohol Dependence
- Impact of Multiple Alcohol-related Incidents on Security Clearance Eligibility