The SF-86 (Standard Form 86) is the form used for national security background investigations, and it includes questions about prescription drug use, particularly misuse.
The form requires disclosure of use of drugs other than marijuana (including misuse of prescription drugs) within the last 7 years.
But does it require disclosure of others using your drugs?
When the SF-86 asks: “In the past 7 years, have you intentionally engaged in the misuse of prescription drugs, regardless if the drugs were prescribed to you or someone else?”
I’m in college and I was prescribed adderall for ADHD/focusing. I gave 5 doses to a close friend who has previously taken adderall, is aware of the drug, is diagnosed with ADHD and was currently on the process of getting an adderall prescription. It happened 2 months before I got my CJO email, and it was a one time thing.
Is this a deal breaker for me?
Where it comes up
Section 23: Illegal Use of Drugs and Drug Activity
This includes use of illegal drugs, including marijuana (even if legal in your state), and misuse of prescription drugs (taking without a prescription, taking more than prescribed, etc.). The form specifically asks if in the last seven (7) years, have you been involved in the illegal purchase, manufacture, cultivation, trafficking, production, transfer, shipping, receiving, handling or sale of any drug or controlled substance? The original poster can answer yes to this question. The transfer of drugs may have been as simple as handing them off to a friend, but because the friend is not authorized to give our prescription drugs, it should be listed.
The good news for the poster? Investigators are looking for patterns of behavior—not punishing someone for trying to help a friend, or an incident from college. The individual should use the additional comments section to indicate the drugs were given in an example of the youthful indiscretion of helping a friend, and is not indicative of current behavior.
Much about the clearance process resembles the Pirate’s Code: “more what you’d call guidelines than actual rules.” This case-by-case system is meant to consider the whole person, increase process security, and allow the lowest-risk/highest-need candidates to complete the process. This article is intended as general information only and should not be construed as legal advice. Consult an attorney regarding your specific situation.
