Alcohol and Drugs in Security Clearance Applications

Any indication of prior drug use and/or alcohol use in your record along with a positive drug analysis could lead to unnecessary and extensive challenges regarding you security clearance application. By having the right legal support, however, it could be possible to obtain and secure a security clearance. Often times, the best asset you can have is a knowledgeable attorney who can guide you through the application process and assist you with the challenges that could be raised. The attorneys at Brett O’Brien Law can guide you through the entire security clearance application and help you understand what is required along with how to navigate the issues.

If your background investigation during the security clearance process reveals evidence of drug or alcohol abuse and/or if you test positive for drug use, you may experience issues obtaining or keeping your security clearance.  In short, in addition to drug or alcohol abuse being a concern from an employment standpoint, it also demonstrates evidence of untrustworthiness as these substances lead to poor judgment and self-control.

In these instances, it is always best to consult with and retain an experienced security clearance lawyer.  Security clearance lawyer Brett O’Brien offers experienced, nationwide security clearance representation on issues relating to drug and/or alcohol abuse.

Alcohol Abuse and the Security Clearance Process

Although alcohol itself is legal, evidence of alcohol abuse can disqualify an individual from obtaining a security clearance or cause a security to be revoked.

The following, for example, could pose problems:

• Arrests and/or convictions for alcohol-related offenses, such as underage drinking, assault, domestic violence, or driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DUI);
• Evidence of binge drinking or other alcohol abuse;
• Evidence of having a diagnosis of alcoholism or dependency; and/or

Any alcohol-related incidents while at work.

While any of the above-mentioned incidents could disqualify you from obtaining a security clearance or cause a security clearance to be revoked, an experienced security clearance will use any of the following, as applicable, as mitigating factors:

• Age (the older the incident, the better);
• Evidence of seeking alcohol treatment or rehabilitation; and
• Other evidence that demonstrates that you no longer abuse alcohol or suffer from alcoholism and/or evidence that shows that you have taken steps to resolve past substance abuse issues.

Drug Use and the Security Clearance Process

A security clearance application can be rejected on the grounds that drug and substance abuse can be a sign of an applicant’s untrustworthiness. Alcohol consumption and other similar acts can be seen as characteristics that lead to a person’s lack of self-control and poor judgment, which are sufficient to deny a person from obtaining security clearance. Obtaining security clearance is a privilege to access highly sensitive information that can affect the country’s national security.

Any of the following scenarios could cause your security clearance to be revoked or denied:

• Arrests and/or convictions for drug-related offenses, such as the possession, manufacture, or distribution of a controlled dangerous substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, and/or being under the influence of a controlled dangerous substance;
• Evidence of a history of drug abuse or addiction;
• Testing positive for drugs; and/or
• Any drug-related incidents while at work.

While any of the above-mentioned incidents could disqualify you from obtaining a security clearance or cause a security clearance to be revoked, an experienced security clearance will use any of the following, as applicable, as mitigating factors:

• Age (the older the incident, the better);
• Evidence of seeking drug treatment or rehabilitation; and
• Other evidence that demonstrates that you no longer abuse drugs or suffer from drug addictions and/or evidence that shows that you have taken steps to resolve past substance abuse issues.

Overcoming Prior Alcohol and Drug Use During the Security Clearance Process

If you are trying to overcome evidence of prior or recent drug or alcohol abuse during the security clearance process, it is important to speak with a qualified security clearance attorney regarding your options.

The nationwide security clearance attorneys at National Security Law Firm will review your case and determine the best strategy in your particular case.  As these issues are very fact-sensitive, there is no “one size fits all approach” to mitigating substance abuse issues.

For some individuals, refuting the underlying accusations might be the best strategy.  For other individuals, a more intensive strategy, such as undergoing a substance abuse evaluation, attending rehabilitation, or completing a treatment program might be the best course.

By completing treatment or rehabilitative programs, you could demonstrate that you have intended to and made an effort to overcome all of your alcohol-related challenges. In many cases, this is all of the evidence you need in order to obtain a security clearance. However, when your outstanding efforts are insufficient, you have the legal right to contest an application denial and file for an appeal. Whether you have a drug and/or alcohol abuse problem or not, many first-time applicants are denied. Seeking the legal support of an experienced team of attorneys can help you realize how to demonstrate positive lifestyle changes, which could help you obtain an application approval.

An application denial based on alcohol abuse and/or drug use could be demanding and very complex. Our law firm develops strong applications through fortified preparation, submission of relevant evidence, qualified testimony, and more. The attorneys at the National Security Law Firm have an a great success rate in not only initial security clearance applications but in appeals as well. We have the necessary experience in how to handle the work that goes into ensuring that an application is as compelling as possible.

The security clearance attorneys at the National Security Law Firm have extensive experience overcoming and/or refuting allegations of drug or alcohol abuse. Moreover, we work directly with qualified substance abuse experts who, when recommended, can evaluate you a write a persuasive report regarding substance abuse issues to use in your security clearance appeal.

If your security clearance application was denied as a result of drug or alcohol abuse, you should immediately consult with a security clearance attorney regarding your right to file an appeal and discuss the best strategy in your particular case.

Our security clearance lawyers will challenge your security clearance denial and will work hard to present a persuasive, diligent, and thorough appeal.

Nationwide Security Clearance Attorneys

Every aspect of the national security clearance application is important but the process can be very complex, especially if you have a record of substance abuse or alcohol problems. If you are seeking a security clearance, it is important that you understand how the information you provide can affect your application. If you have had any past issues with drug use or alcohol abuse, you should contact National Security Law Firm for assistance with your security clearance application. Our law firm is dedicated to serving those seeking for security clearance navigate through the challenges associated with drug or substance use and/or alcohol abuse.

At the National Security Law Firm, our team of attorneys are equipped with the necessary experience and knowledge you need to obtain a security clearance application approval. We can guide you through the entire process and help you through your most complicated application issues regarding drug and alcohol abuse. We are also here to help you in the event that your application for security clearance is denied because of your prior record. Commonly, a simple blunder in the application can be grounds for an application denial. Having a knowledgeable attorney review vital application segments can help to ensure that your application is accepted the first time you submit it. Speak to an attorney at National Security Law Firm for more information on how you can obtain security clearance even if you have issues in your record. Everyone has a past and if you are a dedicated applicant, you shouldn’t allow a past mistake prohibit your ability to obtain the government position you desire; speak to a qualified attorney who can protect your right to justify yourself.

The security clearance attorneys at National Security Law firm provide quality, experienced, and nationwide representation.

When choosing a security clearance lawyer, we recommend that you perform diligent and thorough research regarding the attorney that you choose and carefully read their reviews.

The security clearance lawyers at National Security Law Firm are top-ranked, as evidenced by our five-star reviews. Call us today for a free consultation at (202) 600-4996.