Alcohol & Drug

The concern is that the use of an illegal drug or misuse of a prescription drug or alcohol calls into question an applicant’s reliability and trustworthiness. Drugs, materials and other chemical compounds listed in the Controlled Substance Act of 1970 are considered, as is any evidence of drug abuse, any test that results in a positive drug presence, illegal drug possession, sale or cultivation, and failure to successfully complete a drug treatment program.

Testing positive for illegal drug use, illegal drug possession, failure to successfully complete a drug treatment program prescribed by a duly qualified medical professional or expressed intent to continue illegal drug use all raise concern and may be disqualifying.

As alcohol is a legal substance and therefore can be regularly consumed without incident, the abuse of alcohol, pointing towards excessive consumption, is more closely watched. Conditions that raise concern include:

• driving under the influence
• fighting, child or spouse abuse , disturbing the peace, or other incidents of concern, regardless of whether the individual is diagnosed as an alcohol abuser or alcohol dependent
• alcohol-related incidents at work
• habitual or binge consumption of alcohol, regardless of whether the individual is diagnosed as an alcohol abuser or alcohol dependent
• diagnosis by a duly qualified medical professional of alcohol abuse or alcohol dependence

With proper representation, case preparation, submission of documentary evidence and presentation of compelling oral testimony, a security clearance denial can often be overcome. Correcting the problem through a treatment program, successfully completing rehabilitation and being able to acknowledge one’s alcohol problem and provide evidence of actions taken to overcome it can mitigate concerns with alcohol misuse. Similar actions can be taken to assuage concerns involving illegal drug use or prescription drug misuse. Contact The Edmunds Law Firm to discuss your denial with an experienced attorney.