I just accepted a very good job offer with a defense contractor and it all is contingent on me obtaining a Secret security clearance. I have two items in my past that I’m really worried will derail this: past drug use and current treatment, and past living outside the U.S.
First the big one, past drug use. I have never taken any illegal drugs, but I do have a history of being addicted to pain medication. I got it under control after self checking myself with the VA in 2019 and getting treatment. Part of that treatment is being prescribed buprenorphine/suboxone. I continue to take this medication, and submit frequent urine tests at every visit to show that I haven’t taken anything bad. I have seven years of clean urine screens, not even alcohol, but I continue to take this medication through the VA. My Dr. says I’m a model patient. Will just this derail my chances of getting a Secret clearance? I’m more worried about the embarrassment of this coming out.
The second item is I lived outside the U.S. for about 10 years. It was just across the border in Mexico, started out as 50% time, to minimize expenses while starting a business, but I left in 2020 at the height of Covid. My wife has dual citizenship, and while living in Mexico I had a local bank account and utilities in my name. Everything was closed out in 2020 and we moved to the east coast and have t been back even to visit. I’m just worried this will trigger a lengthy investigation. Also while living in Mexico, my wife and I were able to get a special pass for crossing the border quicker. We both had our backgrounds checked, fingerprinted, and we “passed” and got these issued to us by CPB. Not sure if that “helps” but they are kind of hard to get and keep. We let those passes expire.
Now that I have accepted the job offer, everything is contingent on getting a clearance. It’s a great opportunity, and an important role that I’d love to contribute to our nation’s defense, but stressed over what’s coming. Does it seem I even have a chance?
The prescription drug issue should not be a problem as long as you do have a prescription and following a doctor’s instructions.
The only issue with living outside the US is you have to have lived in the US for some amount of time so they can do the investigation and not have to deal with contacting people outside the country. If you have been back since 2020 that should meet that requirement. The investigator might want some references currently living in the US who can verify your time in Mexico. There may also be some questions about any travel you did outside of Mexico during that time, so you may need to provide details on those trips, if there were any.
Agreed with @sbusquirrel, the two issues are mitigated with time and are no longer issues based on what you posted. However, your statement about being embarrassed if it became known would be concerning if you were not fully forthright on the clearance application, so be sure to provide all details so there is no appearance of trying to hide anything.
That’s a very good point. I think many of us face embarrassment or shame when it comes to listing details of our lives that we might regret or at least not be particularly proud of. That applies to all of us in this business, not just this thread. Even though it may seem an invasion of our privacy, we have to accept this as part of working in the realm of security clearances and public trust.
it’s very early in the process and I haven’t even been asked to start providing information for the clearance or even been asked to begin filling out the SF-86, but I’m sure that’s coming. I plan to be very honest and not conceal anything and only answer what’s being asked. Coming up first is a basic background check and drug test. Once those check ok, then the heavier stuff starts.
By be embarrassed, I mean it will be very embarrassing if I am denied a clearance because of this. I’ll be embarrassed if/when my future boss learns of this. I’m hoping the details stay with the investigator. I’ve been wanting to work for this particular company for several years now but never applied specifically because of this concern.
the suboxone topic is one that is important to me - I’ll plan to write about this and publish via clearancejobs this weekend. Recovery, after all, is not a liability. It’s evidence. Evidence that a person can confront difficult truths, follow a plan, and stay committed even when it’s hard. qualities that any system built on trust should recognize. Be honest and forthright throughout the clearance process.