Denied a national security clearance due to substance use? Here’s how to address it:

1. Understand the Purpose: A substance abuse evaluation proves your reliability and commitment to recovery, essential for appealing your clearance denial.
2. Choose a Certified Evaluator: Select a licensed Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) experienced in federal security clearance cases.
3. Prepare Your Records: Gather medical records, clearance denial documents, treatment history, and employment records.
4. Complete the Evaluation: Participate in a clinical interview, provide documentation, and complete any required testing.
5. Submit Results: Receive a detailed 9–10 page report within 24–48 hours and include it in your appeal.

Quick Tip: Telehealth evaluations are convenient, secure, and fast, allowing you to complete the process from anywhere.

Taking these steps can strengthen your appeal and demonstrate your readiness to handle classified information responsibly.

Key Elements of Security Clearance Substance Evaluations

Evaluation Goals

The main purpose of security clearance substance evaluations is to assess whether an individual can be trusted to protect classified information in sensitive roles. These evaluations examine how substance use might impact judgment, reliability, and job performance. Two major concerns are:

• The current state of substance use and its potential effects on work performance.
• Whether substance involvement increases susceptibility to coercion or manipulation.

Qualified Evaluators

Security clearance substance evaluations must be conducted by Substance Abuse Professionals (SAPs) who meet federal standards. These professionals are typically licensed physicians, social workers, psychologists, or certified counselors with expertise in substance use disorders. They must complete specific training, pass examinations, and participate in ongoing education. Common qualifications include:

Required Qualifications	Continuing Education
Licensed physician, social worker, psychologist, or certified counselor	12 professional development hours every 3 years
Clinical experience diagnosing and treating substance use disorders	Up-to-date knowledge of DOT regulations and guidelines
Completion of qualification training and exams	Proper documentation of certifications

Evaluation Process Overview

The evaluation process is structured to thoroughly examine a person’s substance use history and current situation. The typical steps include:

• Clinical Interview: A detailed discussion about substance use history, treatment experiences, and lifestyle factors.
• Documentation Review: Analyzing medical records, past evaluations, and any relevant legal documents.
• Testing Protocol: Conducting standardized assessments or drug screenings, if needed.
• Professional Assessment: Evaluating substance use patterns and how they might affect the ability to handle classified information.

Evaluators focus on determining whether the individual is reliable, trustworthy, and capable of managing sensitive national security information.

4 Steps to Complete Your Evaluation

1. Choose an Evaluator

Pick a certified evaluator from DrugEval.com‘s platform. Our network includes professionals who specialize in federal security clearance evaluations. Standard processing costs $199 (48-hour results), while expedited service (24-hour results) is $249.

Make sure your evaluator meets these qualifications:

Requirement	Description
Certification	Licensed or certified in substance abuse counseling
Experience	Familiar with security clearance evaluation processes
Availability	Offers flexible scheduling to fit your needs
Documentation	Provides thorough and detailed evaluation reports

2. Collect Your Records

Get these documents ready:

• Medical Records: Any recent treatments or assessments related to substance use.
• Security Clearance Documentation: Include your denial letter and related paperwork.
• Treatment History: Records from previous substance abuse programs.
• Employment Records: Relevant workplace documents tied to your case.

Once everything is gathered, you’re ready to book your assessment.

3. Schedule and Complete the Assessment

Follow these steps to complete your evaluation:

1. Fill out a questionnaire about your health, employment, and substance use history.
2. Participate in a secure video session for a clinical interview and document review.
3. Complete any additional testing, if required.

After finishing the assessment, you can move forward with submitting your results.

4. Submit Your Evaluation Results

Depending on your service level, you’ll receive a 9-10 page report within 24-48 hours. This report will include the evaluation findings, clinical recommendations, supporting documents, and certification details from your counselor.

“Meet our caring Clinical Team – experienced, certified/licensed counselors dedicated to supporting your well-being. They provide judgment-free guidance tailored to your unique needs, empowering you with knowledge for a brighter future.” – DrugEval.com

Submit the completed report as instructed in your security clearance appeal. Keep copies for your records and any future needs.

Telehealth Evaluation Advantages

Remote Access Options

Telehealth evaluations make it easy to complete a substance abuse assessment without worrying about location. As long as you have an internet connection, you can handle the entire process from any private setting.

• Flexible scheduling to suit your needs
• No travel expenses or time wasted on commuting
• Accessible from anywhere within the U.S.
• Works with most common video-enabled devices

These features ensure confidentiality and speed up the evaluation process, making it both private and convenient.

Privacy Protection

DrugEval.com prioritizes your privacy by following strict HIPAA guidelines to keep your information secure.

Security Feature	Benefit
HIPAA-Compliant Platform	Protects your medical privacy
Secure Video Sessions	Uses protected Zoom consultations
Encrypted Documentation	Keeps evaluation records safe
Controlled Information Release	Requires written consent to share results

“Yes, your answers and private health information (PHI) are kept private. We make sure it’s safe and won’t be shared with anyone unless you provide us with your written consent first. To learn more about how we protect your PHI, visit our Notice of Privacy Practices page.” ^[2]

This strong focus on privacy not only safeguards your data but also ensures results are delivered promptly.

Fast Results

With a streamlined approach, telehealth evaluations deliver results quickly. DrugEval.com’s specialized services help speed up the process, giving you the information you need to move forward with your security clearance appeal efficiently.

Appeals & Defense of Security Clearance Cases Before DIA …

Best Practices for Your Evaluation

These steps can strengthen your evaluation process and improve your chances in a security clearance appeal.

Provide Complete Information

Being open and thorough on your SF86 and during your evaluation shows your dedication to addressing concerns. Make sure to:

• Include all past substance use on your SF86 with detailed explanations
• Submit documentation of any previous treatment or counseling
• Be honest and transparent during evaluation interviews

“Applicants should not attempt to resolve these concerns without the assistance of an experienced security clearance attorney. The security clearance adjudication process is heavily empirical, and you bear the burden of proof in clearing the security concern.” – Tully Rinckey PLLC

Document Recovery Steps

Keep detailed records of your recovery efforts to highlight your progress:

Type of Documentation	Purpose	Impact
Treatment Program Records	Confirms program completion	Shows dedication to recovery
Aftercare Documentation	Verifies continued participation	Demonstrates ongoing commitment
Medical Professional Letters	Provides expert evaluation	Adds credibility to your case
Sobriety Timeline	Tracks abstinence duration	Reflects consistent behavioral change

“Satisfactory completion of a prescribed drug treatment program, including rehabilitation and aftercare requirements, without recurrence of abuse, and a favorable prognosis by a credentialed medical professional” can mitigate drug involvement concerns ^[1].

Thorough recovery documentation ensures you meet evaluator expectations and build a strong case.

Meet All Requirements

Stick to these key actions to align with evaluator recommendations:

• Finish any required treatment programs
• Stay engaged in aftercare activities
• Keep detailed records of your progress
• Follow all evaluator guidelines

“Studies of U.S. military treatment programs show that completion of the full aftercare program is the strongest predictor of treatment success.” ^[3]

“You are strongly encouraged to seek treatment if you develop alcohol-related problems. Some employees avoid treatment for fear that if their alcohol problem becomes known, it may affect their security clearance. Actually, it is more likely to affect your clearance if you allow the problem to continue untreated.” ^[3]

Next Steps After Evaluation

After completing your evaluation, take these steps to improve your security clearance appeal:

Submit Your Detailed Report

Submit your 9–10 page evaluator’s report as essential evidence for your appeal. This report typically includes:

Component	Purpose	Impact on Appeal
Assessment	Documents current substance use	Establishes baseline condition
Risk	Highlights potential concerns	Shows awareness of challenges
Treatment	Lists necessary interventions	Demonstrates commitment
Recovery	Tracks progress and milestones	Validates behavioral changes

Act on Recommendations

Your evaluator will provide specific steps to address concerns. These might include educational courses, structured therapy, specialized treatment programs, or regular monitoring.

Select Processing Speed

If you’re on a deadline, consider expedited services. Standard processing delivers results within 48 hours, while expedited options ensure quicker turnaround.

Ensure Compliance

Make sure your report meets all necessary agency requirements. DrugEval.com’s evaluations are accepted by government agencies, major corporations, legal professionals, courts, and probation offices.

Record Additional Progress

Keep a record of any actions taken to show your dedication. This could include attending recommended programs, regular meetings with counselors, following treatment plans, and obtaining progress reports from providers.

A well-prepared evaluation report, paired with evidence of follow-through, can greatly improve your chances during the security clearance appeal process.