The ages, genders, and personal histories of the security clearance applicants differ, but the stories are all the same.
They were prescribed a prescription painkiller following a surgery or a traumatic injury. They got hooked on the highly addictive opioids; then, when their prescription ran out, they turned to other methods of obtaining the drugs or escalated to illegal drugs like heroin. Eventually, they tested positive on a random drug test or experienced legal ramifications. Their security clearance was denied or revoked.
Case Studies: Real-Life Examples
One example is the applicant in Defense Office of Hearings and Appeals (DOHA) case number 20-02995. The applicant, a 38-year-old employee of a defense contractor, was legally prescribed prescription opioids after injuring his back. He soon became addicted. His “addiction led to doctor shopping for prescriptions, alcohol abuse, employment issues, marital difficulties, and financial problems. In addition to the opioid painkillers, he would sometimes drink between a pint and a fifth of vodka a day.” He turned to heroin and fentanyl when the efficacy of the prescription opioids weakened.
In another example, the applicant in case number 21-01945 was denied, in part, for abusing prescription opioids and heroin. He was initially prescribed the painkillers legally post-surgery; but when his prescription ran out, he began purchasing the drugs from a dealer. He eventually turned to heroin and required a stint in rehab for opioid addiction.
And in yet a third example, the applicant in case number 14-01542 was denied for abusing prescription opioids following a surgery. The case is notable in that the applicant was arrested for forging a prescription once his prescription ran out. He attended a drug rehabilitation program, but later relapsed and required a second round of treatment.
The Impact on Blue-Collar Workers
The stories are undeniably sympathetic and tragic, yet they’re also a valuable warning to other clearance-holders about the dangers of prescription opioids and how these drugs are hitting the blue-collar workforce particularly hard.
The national security sector relies on so-called blue-collar workers for critical labor like skilled trades necessary for building submarines, manufacturing munitions, and even constructing overseas diplomatic missions. But the physical nature of the work means a higher susceptibility to injury on the job than their office-dwelling counterparts.
The Risks Extend to Others
Still, office workers aren’t immune to the perils of prescription painkillers. Car accidents, sports injuries, and other outside-the-office mishaps have all led to opioid addiction – as have surgeries for progressive conditions like spinal abnormalities. The DOHA cases provide illustrative examples, including an electrical engineer with a master’s degree who stole prescription painkillers from his parents and an aunt after his own prescription ran out following two surgeries. The married father of two was fortunate – he maintained his security clearance and livelihood – but not without extensive effort, cost, and, no doubt, stress. His winning case meant obtaining counseling, medical evaluations, and drug testing, along with retaining legal counsel.
Ultimately, clearance holders should follow medical advice and their own good judgement. But an awareness of the potential for addiction to prescription opioids is equally important. This problem isn’t going away, and its ramifications can be catastrophic for the unwary.
This article is intended as general information only and should not be construed as legal advice. Although the information is believed to be accurate as of the publication date, no guarantee or warranty is offered or implied. Laws and government policies are subject to change, and the information provided herein may not provide a complete or current analysis of the topic or other pertinent considerations. Consult an attorney regarding your specific situation.
