A security clearance is necessary for many federal jobs. Since it allows a person to access confidential information, government agencies take a close look at a candidate’s background. They assess many parts of an applicant’s life – including how they use alcohol.
When does drinking become a problem?
Not all alcohol use is a concern for security clearance purposes. However, it may lead to a clearance denial or suspension if your alcohol use might impair your judgment or make you more prone to disclosing classified information.
Issues that can raise concerns include:
- Alcohol-related incidents like driving under the influence, public intoxication or child or spouse abuse while drunk
- Reports of drinking while on the job or reporting for work while intoxicated
- Frequent or heavy alcohol consumption resulting in poor judgment
- Failing to complete court-ordered alcohol programs or relapsing after completing a treatment program
- A diagnosis of alcohol use disorder or dependence from a mental health professional
If any of these alcohol-related issues cause you to lose your security clearance, think about talking to an attorney. They can guide you through the process and represent you at any hearings before the Defense Office of Hearings and Appeals (DOHA).
Are there any mitigating factors?
The good news is that even if you do have alcohol-related issues on your record, there are some conditions that can potentially help your case:
- The incident happened only once or a long time ago.
- You’ve made positive life changes, like staying away from places that encourage too much drinking, doing healthier activities or getting help from counseling or support groups.
- You’ve completed rehabilitation programs and followed all after-care steps.
- You’ve stayed sober or used alcohol responsibly for a long time, usually at least 12 months.
- A qualified health care professional has provided a favorable assessment of your progress and future outlook.
The key is to show that you’ve acknowledged any past issues, taken concrete steps to address them and made lasting changes to prevent future problems.
Don’t let past mistakes prevent future opportunities
Alcohol-related issues can greatly affect your ability to obtain or maintain a security clearance. An attorney can assess your situation and provide insight on how you can move forward.