Summary
A 47-year-old defense contractor was denied a security clearance under Guideline H (Drug Involvement) due to a long and extensive history of drug abuse. The applicant regularly used marijuana from 1968 to July 1995, occasionally selling small quantities to acquaintances and selling marijuana one to two times weekly from 1967 to 1972. Additionally, the applicant used cocaine daily from July 1993 to July 1995, spending most earnings to support this habit. Other drug use included amphetamines, LSD, heroin once in the mid-1970s, and psilocybin mushrooms in the early 1980s.
This drug dependency led to criminal behavior, specifically stealing from a co-worker's desk in the summer of 1995, resulting in a four-week suspension without pay. The applicant received inpatient treatment for cocaine and cannabis dependency and polysubstance abuse from July 3-31, 1995, followed by outpatient treatment until October 16, 1995. The applicant also participates in an ongoing aftercare program with weekly meetings.
Despite evidence of treatment and a positive prognosis, the clearance was denied. The judge determined that the nearly 30-year history of drug abuse, culminating in severe addiction and associated criminal behavior, raised significant security concerns. The applicant's recovery was considered too recent to adequately mitigate these concerns.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant had a nearly 30-year history of drug abuse, culminating in severe addiction to marijuana and cocaine.
- The applicant's drug dependency led to criminal behavior, including theft from co-workers.
- The applicant's recovery was deemed too recent to mitigate the security concerns raised by his past conduct.
Conditions Referenced
- H1raisedAny Drug Abuse
- H2raisedIllegal Drug Possession, Including Purchase, Sale
- H3rejectedDemonstrated Intent Not to Abuse Any Drugs in the FutureThe applicant's recovery was too recent to demonstrate a lack of future drug abuse.
- H4rejectedSatisfactory Completion of a Drug Treatment Program Prescribed by a Credentialed Medical ProfessionalThe applicant did not sufficiently demonstrate that past adverse conduct is unlikely to be repeated.
Key Rule Quoted
“The improper or illegal involvement with drugs raises questions regarding an individual's willingness or ability to protect classified information.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedOct 24, 1996
- Answer filedNov 12, 1996
- Hearing heldN/ADetermined on a written record.
- Decision dateFeb 25, 1997
Cite For
- Long History of Drug Abuse as a Disqualifying Factor Under Guideline H
- Impact of Recent Drug Addiction on Security Clearance Eligibility
- Insufficient Evidence of Rehabilitation to Mitigate Security Concerns