Summary
A 41-year-old engineer with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business was denied a security clearance due to Guideline G (Alcohol Consumption). The applicant had a history of alcohol abuse dating back to 1972, when she was 16. This history included a public intoxication arrest in 1982 and a Driving While Intoxicated conviction in 1989, which led to an Alcohol Education Program.
Further incidents included citations for child neglect in 1994 and 1995, partly related to her alcohol abuse, resulting in court orders to abstain from alcohol. She received multiple treatments, including outpatient programs with Antabuse, and inpatient care in 1995 for Alcohol Dependence. Despite these interventions, she continued to consume alcohol, violating court orders and requiring an overnight stay in a detoxification center in November 1995.
Although the applicant achieved nearly 11 months of sobriety by her December 1997 hearing and was an active participant in Alcoholics Anonymous, the judge found her extensive history of alcohol-related incidents and repeated treatments did not sufficiently mitigate security concerns. The application was denied, as she failed to demonstrate that her past alcohol abuse would not recur.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant has a long history of alcohol abuse, including multiple arrests and court-ordered treatment.
- Despite achieving sobriety for nearly 11 months, the applicant's extensive treatment history raised ongoing security concerns.
- The applicant did not meet her burden of persuasion to demonstrate that her alcohol consumption issues were resolved.
Conditions Referenced
- G.1.araisedAlcohol-related Incidents Away From Work, Such as Driving While Under the Influence, Child Abuse, Etc.
- G.1.craisedDiagnosis by a Credentialed Medical Professional of Alcohol Abuse or Alcohol Dependence.
- G.1.eraisedConsumption of Alcohol, Subsequent to a Diagnosis of Alcoholism by a Credentialed Medical Professional and Following Completion of an Alcohol Rehabilitation Program.
- G.2.brejectedThe Problem Occurred a Number of Years Ago and There Is No Indication of a Recent Problem.The applicant's history of alcohol abuse was extensive and recent enough to raise concerns.
- G.2.crejectedPositive Changes in Behavior Supportive of Sobriety.While the applicant was sober for nearly 11 months, the judge found it too soon to conclude that her alcohol consumption was not of present security significance.
Key Rule Quoted
“Excessive alcohol consumption often leads to the exercise of questionable judgment, unreliability, failure to control impulses, and increases the risk of unauthorized disclosure of classified information due to carelessness.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedSep 12, 1997
- Answer filedOct 9, 1997
- Hearing heldDec 18, 1997
- Decision dateJan 27, 1998
Cite For
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Extensive History of Alcohol Abuse
- Impact of Alcohol-related Incidents on Security Clearance Eligibility
- Burden of Persuasion Regarding Rehabilitation From Alcohol Dependence